Three containers declared as sawn timber found with over 1,2 tons of ivory in Quy Nhon

Three containers arriving at Quy Nhon port from Africa, declared as sawn timber, were found by customs officials to contain a large quantity of ivory and wild animal bones during inspection.

In the afternoon of 12/8, the Customs Department announced the discovery of a major illegal shipment of endangered wild animals. The operation, a collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security and other agencies, took place at Quy Nhon port, Gia Lai.

The cargo, consisting of three containers transported from Africa to Vietnam, arrived at the port on 9/7. Although declared as sawn timber in the documentation, suspicious indicators prompted the Anti-Smuggling Investigation Department, under the Customs Department, to initiate surveillance, information gathering, and verification.

From 6/8 to 8/8, the Anti-Smuggling Investigation Department, in coordination with the Economic Police Department of Gia Lai Provincial Police and the Environmental Crime Prevention and Control Police Department (Ministry of Public Security), along with other relevant parties, conducted a thorough inspection of the shipment.

During the search, authorities seized nearly 1,2 tons of ivory and 79,3 kg of animal bones. Forensic examination confirmed the ivory originated from the Elephantidae family, while the bone samples belonged to the Felidae family. All seized items are listed in the appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Nearly 1,2 tons of ivory were concealed within sawn timber. Photo: Customs Department

According to the Customs Department, this represents one of the largest seizures of wild animal exhibits in Central Vietnam in recent years. It is also the first large-scale incident of its kind detected at Quy Nhon port.

On 10/8, the Anti-Smuggling Investigation Department transferred the case files and exhibits to the Investigation Police Agency of Gia Lai Provincial Police for further processing and handling in accordance with their jurisdiction.

The Customs Department affirmed its commitment to continued cooperation with other agencies in investigating and resolving this case. The department also plans to intensify controls in high-risk routes, areas, and types of goods susceptible to smuggling and illegal trafficking of wild animals.