Local authorities in Hai Phong City seize some 490kg of ivory smuggled by sea on Feb 2. - VNA/VNS
HAI PHONG (Vietnam News/Asia News Network): A container containing some 490kg of ivory smuggled by sea has been uncovered in the northern port city of Hai Phong.
With the container opened at Lạch Huyen international port on Thursday (Feb 2), 117 pieces of ivory tusks mixed with imported farmed cow horns were found.
Informed about the arrival of the illegal batch since the beginning of January, the Region 1 Coast Guard High Command and the municipal Department of Customs worked together to conduct related verification and bust the case.
Further investigation is underway.
Vietnam has banned the trading of elephant tusks since 1992. Trading, storing and transporting ivory is forbidden, with violators fined from VNĐ5-50 million (US$213 – 2,132) or imprisoned from six months to five years.
