Nairobi, March 3 -- Are women the new players in illegal ivory trafficking? A trend is emerging in the Coast, with more women getting arrested for reportedly being found with game trophies.

Those arrested and arraigned for trafficking or being in possession of the trophies in the past were predominantly men.

In the last three months, however, the region has witnessed up to seven women charged with dealing in wildlife trophy valued at millions of shillings in Voi, Mombasa and Kwale counties.

Virginia Muthoni and Naomi Mwende are the latest to be apprehended and charged with possessing ivory.

Authorities say the two women were arrested in Mamba village, Nyali constituency in Mombasa on the evening of January 29 and appeared in court the...