MINISTER of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin has ordered a team to conduct DNA test of approximately 400 African ivory tusks seized at Laem Chabang port and expand investigation in cooperation with the Customs Department and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to track down the transnational wildlife trafficking ring, Amarin TV said this evening (Oct. 7).
This is a significant case reflecting Thailand’s continued commitment to law enforcement and adherence to international obligations under the CITES convention with all sectors cooperating to ensure Thailand is not used as a transit point or destination for illegal wildlife trafficking, he mentioned.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will be working closely with Customs Department and UNODC in boosting prevention, suppression, and halting all forms of illegal wildlife trafficking.
“This includes sending a team of academics and forensic experts from the Department of National Parks to the site to officially count the seized items and conduct DNA testing,” he said.
Meanwhile Mr. Yongyuth Nakaviroj, this department’s chief, said Customs officials had last week seized the approximately 400 African ivory tusks at Laem Chabang port in Sriracha district, Chonburi province. The tusks were smuggled from Zambia and were impounded with the help of intelligence on international smuggling routes shared by UNODC.
Customs officials inspected two target containers falsely declared as processed timber. Upon detailed inspection, a large quantity of African elephant tusks was discovered cleverly concealed within the timber logs. Currently, officials are in the process of systematically recording and verifying the seized items.
Mr. Sadudee Panphakdee, director of CITES Division, said forensic data will be crucial evidence in determining the precise origin of the animals and will be used to coordinate with Interpol to identify the main perpetrators and the destination countries.
This is considered one of this year’s significant cases and if investigation reveals links to transnational organised crime or involves high-value assets, the department will hand over the evidence to Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for consideration as a special case, enabling the seizure of assets and the punishment of offenders according to legal procedures.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin and the big lot of ivory tusks seized.
Second and third insert: The ivory tusks hidden in teak logs. Photos – Amarin TV
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