Five People Arrested In Samburu For Smuggling Sandalwood Tree Worth Ksh.6 Million
Police in Baragoi, Samburu County, are detaining five people after they were caught smuggling 1,500 kg of the virtually extinct Sandalwood tree.
Lydia Kadima 
Police stopped the five along the Barsaloi-Masitika Road in Samburu North sub-county. They are John Muiruri Kanyi, Johakim Losikira Lobolia, Thomas Achuka Lokuwatuba, Kelly Achapan Lobolia, and Francis Ekal Nadiko.
Sandalwood harvesting has been prohibited since 2007 when the government made the trade unlawful due to the medicinal plant's rapid extinction.
“A burgeoning illegal trade has grown with the demand for this commodity increasing, leading to its listing in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species,” the DCI said.
The intended destination of the Sandalwood shipment, estimated to be worth Ksh.6 million, has yet to be determined by detectives.
After the defendants were arraigned, a Maralal judge handed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations' (DCI) Anti-Wildlife Crimes unit three days to wrap up their
investigations.
Sandalwood oil is used to cure headaches, stomachaches, and urinary and genital issues and is antiseptic. It is also used to treat inflammatory skin conditions.
Sandalwood oil provides a variety of advantages to the skin that go beyond treating acne. It has anti-aging qualities thus it prevents the skin from sagging. It is high in antioxidants, which aid in the battle against free radical damage and therefore the production of wrinkles. Sandalwood softens the skin and minimizes the appearance of bruises and scars.
