Thailand Makes Largest Ivory Seizure in a Decade, Nine Arrested
Thai authorities intercept 250 kilograms of African elephant tusks and charge nine individuals with wildlife trafficking.
In a significant crackdown on wildlife trafficking, Thai police have announced the largest seizure of smuggled ivory in over a decade.
The operation, which took place across seven provinces last Thursday, resulted in the arrest of nine individuals accused of attempting to sell approximately 250 kilograms (551 pounds) of African elephant tusks through a private Facebook group.
According to Patompong Thongchamroon, from the national police’s environmental crime division, this seizure represents the largest quantity confiscated within a decade.
The ivory, valued at around $300,000 and originating from Africa, was smuggled into Thailand via ship.
Those arrested are charged with violations of the country's laws governing the possession and trade of protected wildlife parts, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a fine of one million baht ($30,800).
The contraband included various items such as prayer beads, jewelry, and knife handles intended for sale to buyers primarily from Thailand and Vietnam.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has prohibited the international trade of elephant ivory since 1990, reflecting its status alongside Asian elephants as endangered species globally according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The operation, which took place across seven provinces last Thursday, resulted in the arrest of nine individuals accused of attempting to sell approximately 250 kilograms (551 pounds) of African elephant tusks through a private Facebook group.
According to Patompong Thongchamroon, from the national police’s environmental crime division, this seizure represents the largest quantity confiscated within a decade.
The ivory, valued at around $300,000 and originating from Africa, was smuggled into Thailand via ship.
Those arrested are charged with violations of the country's laws governing the possession and trade of protected wildlife parts, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a fine of one million baht ($30,800).
The contraband included various items such as prayer beads, jewelry, and knife handles intended for sale to buyers primarily from Thailand and Vietnam.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has prohibited the international trade of elephant ivory since 1990, reflecting its status alongside Asian elephants as endangered species globally according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
