Vietnam seizes 1.2 tonnes of ivory concealed in timber logs at port
Vietnamese police seized nearly 1.2 tonnes of ivory hidden inside hollowed timber logs at Quy Nhon port, along with 80 kg of animal bones.
Vietnamese authorities have intercepted a major wildlife trafficking attempt at Quy Nhon port in Gia Lai province, seizing nearly 1.2 tonnes of ivory concealed inside a shipment from Africa.
The contraband was discovered on Wednesday during an inspection of shipping containers, according to state media. The ivory had been carefully hidden inside 12 timber logs that were hollowed out to accommodate the sawn tusks, with the openings sealed using wax to avoid detection.
Alongside the ivory, officials also recovered approximately 80 kilograms of animal bones. Preliminary examinations identified the ivory as originating from the Elephantidae family, while the bones were determined to be from the Felidae family.
Both families of animals are listed in the appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates and restricts international trade in protected species.
The seizure highlights the ongoing challenge of wildlife trafficking through Vietnamese ports, which are frequently used as transit points for illegal goods originating from Africa and destined for markets in East and Southeast Asia.