VietNamNet Bridge – Customs agents 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.

Illustrative photo. — VNA/VNS Photo The Tung

The 20-foot container arrived at Lach Huyen Port in Hai Phong last Saturday. It was registered as carrying timber, with the receiver named as VIC Thanh Binh Import-Epxport 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 VND500 million (US$22,000) and VND2 billion ($86,700).

The country banned the trading of elephant tusks in 1992. Trading, storing and transporting ivory is forbidden, with violators fined from VND5-50 million or imprisoned from six months to five years. 

Source: VNS