Vietnamese authorities have seized roughly seven tonnes of ivory in one of the biggest hauls on record as the country stepped up fight against wildlife trafficking.
Vietnam News Agency reported on Monday that this was the largest wildlife trafficking case ever cracked by customs authorities in the northern port city of Hai Phong.
Official said three containers came under suspicion as they were declared to be loaded with peanuts originating from the Republic of Angola, passing through Singapore, and destined for Vietnam.
On inspection, authorities found the illegal cargo of contraband elephant ivory hidden in a 20-foot container.
Hai Phong customs authorities said it had seized more than 600 kilograms of ivory smuggled from Africa in February.