Thailand seizes ivory shipment from Zambia, to launch DNA investigation
Authorities in Thailand say they have seized about 400 pieces of African elephant ivory in a shipment of timber from Zambia, and are now testing the contraband to identify the origin of the animals. The tusks were found concealed inside logs in two containers declared as holding processed timber at Laem Chabang Port, Chonburi province, […]
Thailand has seized around 400 pieces of African elephant ivory from a shipment of timber originating in Zambia, according to the Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). The ivory was discovered hidden within two containers, which were declared to contain processed timber at Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi province.
The DNP announced these findings on October 7. Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin revealed that a team of DNP scientists and forensic experts has been tasked with inspecting and counting the seized ivory, as well as conducting DNA tests to identify the source of the animals. This step will enable the DNP to collaborate with Interpol in identifying the primary offenders and the destination countries for the contraband.
Mary Rice, executive director of the Environmental Investigation Agency in the UK, expressed her thoughts on the matter, stating that early DNA analysis demonstrates strong leadership in combating illegal ivory trafficking and should aid in determining the source country. However, she also noted that a large ivory seizure made earlier this year in Zambia has not yet undergone DNA analysis.
Under CITES regulations, ivory seizures exceeding 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) are required to collect DNA samples for forensic analysis within 90 days.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
