The Department of National Parks and Wildlife has arrested 17 suspects in the Northern and Muchinga Provinces for various wildlife offences.
In Nsumbu National Park, DNPW arrested three suspects and recovered one AK47 automatic rifle with 25 rounds of ammunition.
The suspects are James Kalumba of Chocha Village in Kaputa District, Julius Kapembwa of Kasakalabwe Village in Mpulungu Distict and Kauzi Chongo of Senga Hill who is expected to appear before the Magistrates Court in Mporokoso for unlawful possession of a prohibited article.
Ministry of Tourism Arts Public Relations Officer Sakabilo Kalembwe who confirmed the development to Komboni Radio News says the arrests were made during an operation in Chiefs Chikwa and Magodi with the help of the North Luangwa National Park Dog Unit (K9) sniffer dogs.
And Mr Kalembwe has also disclosed that the Kapiri Magistrates Court has sentenced two Zambia Army soldiers to six year each with hard labour for illegal possession of prescribed government trophy.
Joseph Tapwila and Charles Mukanda both from Mpepetwe Barracks have been convicted and sent to Mukobeko Prisons for unlawful possession of two leopard skins contrary to the Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015.
Ends/SK