Elephant tusks with estimated market value of £265,000 were being transported from Tanzania to China via Switzerland. The confiscated tusks. The suitcases also contained 21 lion fangs and 35 claws.
Customs officials at Zurich airport have seized 262kg (578lb) of ivory that three Chinese men had dispatched from Tanzania, contraband that may have come from up to 50 elephants.
The ivory was found during a security check on 6 July and packed in eight suitcases, Switzerland's customs authority said on Tuesday. It put the estimated value on the illegal market at about 400,000 Swiss francs (£265,000).
The elephant tusks had been sawn into 172 pieces to fit into the luggage, which was being transported from Tanzania's capital, Dar es Salaam, to Beijing via Zurich. The head of the customs operation at the airport, Heinz Widmer, said officials estimated that the pieces came from 40 to 50 elephants.
Demand from China's rising middle class has been fuelling elephant poaching in Africa and illegal trade in ivory, which is turned into jewellery and other decorative items.
The Chinese men were temporarily detained in Zurich and questioned, Widmer said. They could face large fines for violating customs and animal protection rules.
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In reply to Kudzai Chinoda
Re: Eight suitcases full of ivory seized at Zurich airport
by Mpho Letsoalo -
This is serious trafficking at the highest level. The methodologies used to disguise and conceal the wildlife products should be canvassed to all Customs and Immigration officials at all points of entry, border crossings, airports and sea ports. Regards, Mpho
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