A multi-agency security operation has successfully dismantled a notorious sandalwood smuggling syndicate, arresting a key figure in the illegal trade, Margaret Wambui Wambugu, widely known as Maggy. Wambugu, believed to be the mastermind behind the syndicate, was apprehended alongside three other suspects, marking a significant blow to the illicit trade of endangered sandalwood in Kenya.
Maggy’s syndicate, which operates across the Samburu region, has been trafficking the highly sought-after wood to Uganda, primarily via the porous Busia border. Investigations indicate that Wambugu has been running this illegal operation for years, with assistance from several rogue officers in key security agencies, including the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and the National Police Service (NPS).
The Smuggling Network
Wambugu, originally from Molo, is said to have built an elaborate network to facilitate the extraction and smuggling of sandalwood. She reportedly works with local community leaders, including chairpersons and chiefs, who coordinate the harvesting of the wood from the remote forests of Samburu, Baringo, and other arid counties. Local workers are employed to carry out the laborious task of felling the sandalwood trees, with payments ranging between Ksh 3,000 and Ksh 5,000 per person.
The sandalwood is extracted from areas that are difficult to access, and security officers, using government vehicles such as Land Cruisers, help transport the consignment to more accessible locations where it is then loaded and transported across the border to Uganda. Despite roadblocks and border checks, the syndicate has been able to avoid interception, thanks to the protection of corrupt government officers who ensure the smooth passage of the illicit cargo.
This operation highlights a disturbing trend in the trafficking of endangered species, with security forces complicit in illegal activities. The arrest of Maggy is expected to send a strong message to those involved in facilitating and participating in the unlawful harvesting and smuggling of sandalwood.
The Threat to Sandalwood Species
Sandalwood, particularly the East African variety, has been under threat for years due to over-harvesting driven by demand from the international market, especially Asia. The wood, renowned for its fragrant oil, is used in perfumes, cosmetics, and incense, making it highly valuable. On the global market, one litre of sandalwood oil can fetch up to US$3,000, contributing to the relentless demand that fuels its illegal trade.
In 2018, the East African sandalwood tree was listed as an endangered species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), aiming to regulate its exploitation. However, despite this designation, sandalwood trafficking has continued unabated due to its high market value.
Sandalwood is naturally found in drylands of Kenya, particularly in Baringo, Samburu, Isiolo, Makueni, Kitui, Machakos, and Kajiado counties. The illegal harvesting of the tree not only threatens its survival but also disrupts local ecosystems and communities that depend on these forests for their livelihoods.
Addressing the Problem
The successful bust of the sandalwood syndicate has prompted renewed calls for stricter monitoring and enforcement in sandalwood-rich regions. Authorities are urging the implementation of enhanced patrols and improved surveillance systems to detect and prevent illegal activities. At the same time, there is an emphasis on the importance of stricter penalties for those caught engaging in the unlawful harvest and trade of sandalwood.
Another key recommendation is the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts. By engaging locals in sustainable harvesting practices and offering incentives for replanting initiatives, conservationists believe they can help protect the sandalwood tree while also providing economic benefits to communities. This approach aims to reduce the incentives for illegal logging by creating alternative, sustainable livelihoods.
Moreover, community sensitization and education on the ecological value of sandalwood and the need for conservation are essential to ensuring long-term protection of this valuable resource.
Conclusion
The recent success in dismantling the sandalwood smuggling syndicate is a significant step toward combating the illegal trade in endangered species. However, it is clear that more needs to be done to curb this illicit industry. Increased security, community involvement, and international cooperation are crucial to securing the future of sandalwood and other endangered species in Kenya and beyond.
