THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
Government News
Over 1.5 tons of smuggled ivory tusks seized in Hai Phong
VGP - Customs authorities in the northern port city of Hai Phong on March 23 uncovered 547 pieces of ivory tusks weighing 1,580 kilograms hidden in a container at Lach Huyen International Port, an extension of the Port of Hai Phong.
The ivory are painted black to avoid the control of the authorities- Photo: Customs authorities of Hai Phong
Further investigation is underway.
The seizure reflects Viet Nam's effort in implementing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to which it is a signatory.
Trade in ivory is illegal in Viet Nam as the Southeast Asian nation has banned the trading of ivory elephant tusks since 1992.
Those who commit this crime shall be fined from VND5-50 million (US$213.2–2,132) or six months to five years in prison, according to current legislation.
Other items often found smuggled into the country include pangolin scales, rhino horns and tiger carcasses./.