HK customs seizes 3.9 tons of elephant tusks

Hong Kong Customs officers have seized 3.9 tons of unmanifested elephant tusks, worth about 8 million HK dollars (103,305 U.S. dollars), from a 40-foot container in Kwai Chung.

Hong Kong Customs examined the container with the mobile X-ray vehicle scanning system at Kwai Chung Customhouse on Tuesday and found the elephant tusks inside a concealed compartment.

The container originated from Douala, Cameroon, and was shipped to Hong Kong on May 3. It was declared to be carrying timber.

Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department confirmed the elephant tusks were scheduled endangered species listed under the Animals & Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance.

Source: Xinhua