SOLDIERS of the Ruaha National Park (Runapa) in collaboration with the Tanzanian Police have arrested three people in Iringa town with eight whole elephant tusks and six pieces worth more than Shs 206 million.

The suspects include Greyson Lusasi (39), a resident of Mwangata Street in Iringa, Elia Halamga (55), a resident of Kateshi Manyara and Henry Chengula (38), a resident of Isakalilo Street in Iringa.

Speaking to the media today, the Head of the Ruaha National Park, Assistant Conservation Commissioner Godwell Ole Meing'ataki said the suspects were caught after receiving information from good samaritans that explained the existence of poaching networks and trade in government loot.

"In collaboration with the Police Force we made a trap and succeeded in catching the suspects," he said and emphasized that Runapa and Tanapa will continue to cooperate with good citizens, the Wildlife and Forestry Conservation Force and the Police to hunt down robbers of government loot and bring them before the law enforcement agencies.

Iringa Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Allan Bukumbi said the suspects were arrested on February 28, this year around 2.30 pm in Bombambili Mawelewele street in Iringa.

Along with the elephant's teeth, he said the suspects who were in a Noah car with registration number T385 BWG were also found with one dagger, one knife and three sulphate bags containing the teeth.

He said that the suspects will be brought to court soon after the investigation is completed. They were arrested in the process of wanting to do business with the people they were in contact with.

At the same time, the Police force has arrested 140 drivers in its operation to arrest drivers who violate road safety laws, including overloading passengers, violating the road license procedure, not having driver's licenses and insurance, dangerous transportation of passengers and cargo and parking in unauthorized areas.