By ADAM IHUCHA-- Confusion is reigning in Tanzania’s security corridors, as the Pakistan national suspected to be a mastermind behind a recent live wildlife smuggling disappeared mysteriously.

Kamran Ahmed, 32, is a prime suspect in an economic sabotage case where he and several others in 2010 were alleged to have smuggled nearly 140 live animals from Tanzania to Qatar.

The mafia-like syndicate shocked the country, not only for being able to smuggle a big number of wildlife, but more seriously, the architects used the Qatar military plane (photo above).

Giraffes, one of nation symbols in Tanzania, were among the wildlife that have smuggled through Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) at wee hours.

Mr Kamran, was out of detention on bail, but failed to appear before the court for two consecutive sessions, compelling the state attorney Evetha Mushi to demand the court to issue arrest warrant.

The state fears that being the key suspect; his disappearance could seriously jeopardize the land shaking case, which the public wants to know how was it possible for foreigner to plunder natural resources undetected.

As it happened, the Kilimanjaro resident magistrate in charge, Simon Kobelo issued the arrest warrant, demanding police force to bring the key suspect in court on April 17^th, 2014.

But until 17^th of April, Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander, Robert Boaz said that his men are still pursuing the suspect, and, as a matter of fact, there was no clue on whereabouts.

“Our investigation is still underway, but there’s no lead so far that can assist us to trace the suspect” Mr Boaz explained. 

The mysterious disappearance of the suspect defeats the common sense of many as it was for the wildlife smuggling issue itself because his passport is police possession.

  

Mr Boaz said that the suspect’s passport is still in police hands so he doesn’t see the possibility of him to travel out of country, but analysts argue that if he was able to smuggle animals, what will fail him to use the same means to escape.

Even the Defense counsel, Edmund Ngemera is also said he doesn’t know where his client was as there have been communication breakdown since February 26.

“I don’t have any clue of my client whereabouts. Last time I met him on February 26 in court where he suddenly fell ill, prompting the case to be adjourned” Mr Ngemera said.  

Sometimes in November 2010, Tanzania’s second largest airfield of KIA aided a huge Qatar Emiri Air force to land smoothly at its runways, little knowing that the airfreight had a hidden mission.

At wee hours of November 26, 2010, the military airfreight illegally flew a total of 136 live wildlife of 14 various species worth $113,715 to Doha in Qatar.

Apparently, the illicit deal was full proof as it took the Tanzanian security organs five months down the line to discover the trophies were smuggled.

The painstaking police investigation preliminary report shows the deal involved six masterminds, comprising unscrupulous government officials, International traders, airport security personnel and airport ground handler.

Certificate of valuation of smuggled trophies by game officer, Oscar Julius Lipili, indicates that four gracious giraffes, regarded as ‘Tanzania’s national symbol’, were among the sneaked animals. 

Others were six live Oryx, 68 Thomson’s gazelle, two Impalas, and 10 Dik dik, three Elands, 20 Grant’s gazelle, Seven Kori Bustard, four Ground Hornbill, two Lapet Faced Vulture and Serual Cat respectively.

In the list were also one live Secretary bird, five spring hares and two black verreoux Eagles, this is according to the certificate dated 11th March, 2011 in reference to criminal case No. KIA/IR/31/2011.

Police say apart from live wildlife, there were several sacks of dry- wild-meat.