US law enforcement authorities have assisted the SAPS in two rhino poaching cases that involved the arrest of corrupt game park officials and busting the supply of a deadly tranquilliser used to stun the endangered animals. According to a statement issued by the US department of homeland security, the agency has been "forging relationships" with the local law enforcement community.The result was a joint covert operation with the SAPS that involved uncovering the sale of M99, a drug that is often used by poachers to immobilise rhinos they are about to shoot.In an operation in June the US department and police were involved in an undercover operation near the Umfolozi Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal.Five poachers were arrested during the operation. Two of the suspects were rangers at the reserve.Further investigation revealed that those arrested planned to sell rhino horn on to a transnational criminal syndicate.One of the suspects is also believed to be an arms smuggler and is also wanted on several murder charges.US homeland security provided the SAPS with forensic support.The initiative is a result of President Barack Obama's strategy for combating wildlife trafficking, which was launched last year.It aims at strengthening enforcement, reducing the global demand for illegal wildlife parts and building international partnerships."Together, HSI Pretoria and the SAPS are disrupting the activities of poachers, as well as the criminal syndicates who take advantage of corruption at local levels and are able to gain access to game parks to illegally kill wildlife," an SAPS statement said...