Syrian Nationals Acquitted In Ivory Case

Syrian nationals acquitted in ivory case TNN 11 April

AHMEDABAD : Ibrahim Alchughri, 23, a Syrian national and accused in ivory smuggling case, was acquitted by a sessions court on Thursday as he confessed to his crime. He added that he was not carrying ivory for commercial purposes and was not aware of the law of the land. His captain Hesham Qutef, was also released along with him. According to sources, advocates from Ibrahim's side senior advocate SV Raju and Amit Nair presented the case in court and stated that Ibrahim had purchased ivory from the coast of Tanzania. Customs, excise and forest department officials were investigating the case to find out whether Ibrahim had purchased the ivory from African coast or after landing in India. "We had first translated entire affidavit and statement in Arabic, known to Ibrahim that stated various facts. He then agreed to all facts mentioned in the statement and stuck to his theory that he had purchased it from Tanzania and then brought it along with his bag in India," said Amit Nair. He added that Ibrahim was new for the trade at the age of 23 and did not have any idea that ivory is a contraband item. "Ibrahim was travelling with an Alang-bound ship in early March. After handing over the ship, when Ibrahim and Hesham were boarding a flight for Sharjah, he was found in possession of tusks of 2.2 kg," he said.