The tusks seized at scene (Photo: VNA) Hai Phong (VNA) – Customs forces in the northern city of Hai Phong discovered nearly 1.4 tonnes of pangolin scales and 20 elephant tusks weighing more than 100kg hidden inside a container shipped from Nigeria.
The 20-feet container arrived at Lach Huyen port in Hai Phong on January 26. It was registered as carrying timber, with the receiver named as VIC Thanh Binh Import-Export Co., Ltd, which is located in Dan Phuong district, Hanoi.
Further investigation is underway into the smuggling of these illegal goods.
In Vietnam, illegal hunting, trading, poaching and transportation of even one pangolin carries punishment of one to five years imprisonment and a fine of between 500 million VND (22,000 USD) and 2 billion VND (86,728 USD).
The country banned the trading of elephant tusks in 1992. Trading, storing and transporting ivory is forbidden, with violators fined from 5-50 million VND or imprisoned from six months to five years.-VNA
VNA
