A Chinese national living in Zimbabwe has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for illegally dealing in wildlife products, after authorities discovered large quantities of ivory and rhino horn at his home.
According to The Zimbabwean, Cong Yanzhong was convicted on two counts of unlawfully trading in protected wildlife materials. Detectives arrested him in July after receiving a tip that he possessed the contraband.
Investigators found 7.7 kilograms (17 pounds) of rhino horn worth about $240,000 and 36 kilograms (79 pounds) of raw ivory valued at just over $6,000. When apprehended, Cong was reportedly carrying a bag containing three shrink-wrapped rhino horns and had no legal permits or licenses for the items.
“The sentencing sends a strong message that Zimbabwe has zero tolerance for wildlife crime,” the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said in a statement. “We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our natural heritage and ensure that those who profit from wildlife destruction face the full force of the law.”
Wildlife trafficking remains one of the leading threats to endangered species. Rhinos and elephants have been hunted for decades for their horns and tusks, pushing some populations toward extinction. Rhino horn is highly valued in parts of Asia for its supposed medicinal properties and as a status symbol, while the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) estimates that around 20,000 elephants are killed illegally each year for their ivory.
Beyond the immediate loss of wildlife, the illegal trade can spread diseases, parasites, and invasive species, and is often linked to organized crime networks involved in drug and human trafficking.
Authorities hope Cong’s lengthy sentence will deter others from engaging in similar crimes. Meanwhile, conservation groups like the WWF continue working with governments worldwide to combat poaching and dismantle wildlife trafficking operations.
Leave a Reply