Man charged in rhino horns, elephant ivory trafficking case A man charged with conspiring to smuggle 10 tons of elephant ivory and rhinoceros horns has been extradited to the United States from KenyaNEW YORK -- A man charged with conspiring to smuggle tons of elephant ivory and rhinoceros horns was extradited Monday from Kenya to the United States, where he pleaded not guilty to multiple charges. The 190 kilograms (420 pounds) of rhinoceros horns and 10 tons (9 metric tons) of elephant ivory were valued at more than $7 million, authorities said. According to court papers, Surur and co-defendants exported and agreed to export the rhinoceros horns and elephant ivory to foreign buyers, including some in Manhattan. When they were shipped, the rhinoceros horns and elephant ivory were sometimes hidden in pieces of art such as African masks and statues, authorities said. Two co-defendants were brought to the United States last spring to face charges.

Source: ABC News January 25, 2021 23:37 UTC