Hong Kong: eight tons of illegal ivory seizure largest in 30 years

Nearly eight tons of illegal ivory tusks have been seized in Hong Kong, authorities’ biggest haul in 30 years.

The tusks, which are worth an estimated $9 million (HK$72 million), were found hidden beneath frozen fish cartons aboard a container ship sailing from Malaysia, the Hong Kong Customs office said in a statement.

One man and two women have been arrested and an investigation is ongoing.

The seizure comes months after China outlined a plan to ban the ivory trade completely in 2017.

Hong Kong has long held the reputation as being the “dark heart of the ivory trade,” a port city that’s less regulated and provides a gateway to China.

The sale of ivory is still legal in Hong Kong, with restrictions, but the government plans to phase it out by 2021.

Source: Hong Kong ivory seizure largest in 30 years – CNN.com