Ivory jewelry Photo: screenshot from the official WeChat account of China's General Administration of Customs

Recently, customs officers at the Hangzhou International Airport seized 13 pieces of ivory products hidden in milk powder cans from an inbound passenger, with a total weight of 268.18 grams. 

According to the press release by the official WeChat account of China's General Administration of Customs on May 16, customs officers at Hangzhou International Airport were monitoring the inbound flight that day and identified a suspicious item of luggage through a preliminary machine inspection. 

Subsequently, the passenger carrying the suspicious luggage was intercepted at the "nothing to declare" channel. Upon further inspection on-site, customs officers found two opened milk powder cans in the passenger's luggage, which contained six milky white bracelets and seven pendants. These items were hard in texture, glossy in color, and had the distinctive "Leeds lines" of ivory. 

After being sent to a professional institution for appraisal, it was confirmed that the 13 pieces of jewelry were made from modern elephant ivory, with a total weight of 268.18 grams.

Customs officers reminded the public that according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and China's Wildlife Protection Law, it is prohibited to trade, carry, or mail endangered species and their products in and out of the country without a valid import and export permit and completing customs procedures. Those who engage in such activities, especially if it constitutes a serious offense, will be held criminally responsible according to the law.

The smuggling of ivory and other endangered wildlife products is a serious issue that threatens the survival of many species. Hangzhou International Airport Customs' successful interception of the ivory products hidden in milk powder cans highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring and enforcement measures to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. The seizure also serves as a warning to potential smugglers and reinforces the commitment of the authorities to protect endangered species and uphold wildlife conservation laws.

The incident at Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport serves as a reminder of the global effort needed to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species. It underscores the crucial role that customs play in intercepting illegal wildlife products and enforcing regulations to preserve biodiversity for future generations.

Global Times