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The confiscated tusks displayed at
Zurich airport. Demand from China’s rising middle class has been fuelling
illegal trade in ivory. Photograph: Walter Bieri/EPA
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Swiss authorities say customs officials at Zurich airport
have seized 262 kilograms (578 pounds) of ivory that three Chinese men had
dispatched from Tanzania.
AP reports Switzerland's customs
authority said Tuesday that the ivory — found during a security check on July 6
and packed in eight suitcases — had an estimated black market value of about
400,000 francs (US$413,000). The elephant tusks had
been sawed into pieces to fit into the luggage, which was being transported
from Dar es Salaam to Beijing via Zurich. The suitcases also contained 1
kilogram (2.2 pounds) of lion fangs and claws.
Demand from China's rising
middle class has been fueling illegal trade in ivory. Swiss customs said the
Chinese men could face large fines.
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