Mongabay · Natuur

Vietnam seizes 1.2 tons of ivory, plus big cat bones, hidden in timber shipment

Vietnamese authorities have seized over a ton of elephant ivory and big cat bones, discovered in a shipment of timber originating from the Republic of Congo. The large seizure occurred at Quy Nhon Port in early August.

The shipment, consisting of 1,193 kilograms of ivory and 79.3 kg of bones, was found hidden within 165 wooden crates declared as African sawn timber. The crates arrived in July under the name of Thanh Cong Trading Services and Translation Joint Stock Company. Investigators utilized specialized scanning equipment to locate hidden compartments within 12 hollowed-out timber crates, where the ivory and bones were packed in wax and sealed with wood to evade inspection.

The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology confirmed the contents as elephant ivory and big cat bones. Wildlife trafficking expert Chris Shepherd highlighted that such large seizures underscore the persistent demand driving the illegal wildlife trade. He noted that shipments from Africa containing big cat parts may indicate a shift in sourcing as local species decline, with lion bones being a significant commodity for traditional Asian medicine.

Shepherd commended Vietnam's enforcement action but pointed out that corruption remains a significant challenge to conservation efforts. He emphasized the need for governments to invest in dismantling organized crime networks involved in wildlife trafficking. Gia Lai provincial police have initiated criminal proceedings and detained several suspects linked to the shipment. Vietnam and China have been identified as major hubs for the illegal wildlife trade, with Africa as a primary source.

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