Authorities in Vietnam discover more than a ton of concealed ivory illegally shipped from Africa
Summary
Vietnamese authorities found over one ton of illegal ivory hidden inside logs at Quy Nhơn port. The shipment came from the Republic of the Congo and also contained animal bones used in traditional medicine. Officials started a criminal investigation after discovering the contraband during customs checks.Key Facts
- Authorities seized 1,193 kilograms (2,630 pounds) of elephant ivory concealed in timber.
- The ivory shipment included 221 pieces of elephant tusks.
- The illegal cargo also had 79.3 kilograms (175 pounds) of animal bones from big cats like tigers.
- The shipment arrived on July 9 at Quy Nhơn port in Gia Lai province, central Vietnam.
- Vietnamese police announced the shipment came from the Republic of the Congo.
- Vietnam is a known hub for illegal wildlife trade, with some goods sent to China and some consumed locally.
- The international treaty CITES bans most trade in ivory and endangered animal parts.
- Similar large ivory seizures have occurred before in other Vietnamese ports like Danang and Haiphong.
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