×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Hong Kong seizes $1.4m in illegal ivory

Officials have made their second big seizure of illegal ivory in less than a month after confiscating more than a ton of the elephant tusks worth $1.4 million.

A government statement Friday said that customs officers discovered 569 pieces of ivory tusks weighing 1,330 kilograms (2,930 pounds). The ivory was found Thursday in a container shipped to Hong Kong's port.

The discovery comes just weeks after official confiscated nearly 4 tons of African ivory worth $3.4 million. That bust was the city's biggest-ever seizure of endangered species products.

Wildlife activists blame China's growing presence in Africa for an unprecedented surge in poaching elephants for their tusks, most of which are believed to be smuggled to China and Thailand.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.