The Criminal Investigation Service of Mozambique (SERNIC) announced a few days ago the arrest of two individuals identified as leaders of a network of poachers who have been wanted for years in the country. 

"They are thought to be the principals of poaching, with a focus on rhino, and were arrested in possession of eight rhino horns," said Hilario Lole, SERNIC spokesman, during a press conference in Maputo.

The suspects were arrested in Maputo as a result of an operation by SERNIC, which was supported by the National Administration of Conservation Areas and other conservation-related non-governmental organizations.

According to the source, the amount of horns seized during the operation is estimated at about 30 million meticais.

"These individuals had been wanted for four years because there were indications that they were indeed the leaders. They are the ones who were acquiring everything that is equipment for the poachers, we are talking about the firearms and supplies," explained the SERNIC spokesman adding that one of the detainees is also wanted by the South African police.

Poaching in Mozambique has been a serious threat to wildlife in the country, having drastically reduced some species, according to official data.

According to the latest data from the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), since 2009, the country has lost at least ten thousand elephants, and in the Niassa Reserve alone, the total number of this species went from 12,000 to 4,400 in three years (2011 and 2014).