“The sheer volume of tusks and horns being smuggled into Asia is clear evidence that wildlife criminals continue to slaughter elephants and rhinos with no regard for consequences.”

Breaking the Illegal Wildlife Trade Chain

The contraband—estimated in value of more than $5 million—was the second major bust of illegal wildlife at Hong Kong in less than a month. In July, customs officials confiscated another two tons of illegal ivory concealed in a shipping container from Togo.

Hong Kong, together with Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, has been identified as the main transit points for ivory arriving in Asia from Africa, before onward distribution to the major markets in Thailand and China, according to analysis of the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS)

“We encourage Hong Kong to undertake forensic and intelligence analysis to track where the elephants and rhinos came from, a vital step that will help focus conservation efforts in breaking the trade chain,” added Allan.