Smuggled Ivory Seized in East ChinaCustoms in Wenzhou, in east China' s Zhejiang Province, reported three cases of ivory smuggling seizures in June.A total of 251 pieces of ivory and ivory products weighing 33.6 kilograms were confiscated from posted parcels upon entry. Customs sources said that on the morning of June 4 a parcel declared as teak from Singapore was carefully examined and found to contain 244 African ivory products weighing 29.87 kilograms. In late June, two similar cases were discovered at the same customs. Three pieces of ivory and four ivory combs were confiscated. According to international trade conventions and Chinese laws on wildlife protection, African elephants are listed as a rare species. No elephant-related products are allowed to be traded, carried or posted through China Customs without licenses from the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Chinese Customs have always stood firm on fighting ivory smuggling, officials said. |
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