Second semester report 2022
Many achievements were recorded in LAGA's collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF) despite several challenges posed during the period July to December 2022. These achievements were obtained in the fields of investigation, arrest, prosecution, media exposure, government relations and international activities. Focus was on the fight against the illegal wildlife trade; principally trafficking in pangolin scales, elephant tusks, primates and leopard skins. The EAGLE network�s Central Coordination Unit (CCU) continued to provide vital technical and organisation support that facilitated several operations resulting in a significant number of arrests. 22 traffickers were arrested during the period.
22 major traffickers were arrested at a rate of one for every 9 days and 61% stayed behind bars from the day of arrest. 21 new cases were brought to the courts. 13 traffickers were found guilty and handed prison sentences, fines and damages during 8 court judgements passed. Damages amounted to some 16,237, 000 FCFA (about $32,474). awarded to MINFOF. Three appeals were lodged against unsatisfactory court rulings. Media exposure was at a rate one media piece per day.
The EAGLE network achieved substantial results as 141 traffickers were arrested across 7 countries. In order to provide a deterrent effect across the Network, 1,966 media pieces were published in national media.
