Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Singapore seizes record haul of rhinoceros horns bound for Laos


(MENAFN) Singapore authorities announced Tuesday the seizure of rhinoceros horns valued at over $800,000 from a “suspicious shipment” destined for Vientiane, Laos, marking the country’s largest-ever confiscation of such items.

On Nov. 8, around 20 pieces of rhinoceros horn weighing 35.7 kg (78.7 pounds) were discovered and seized after SATS Group, an air cargo handler at Changi Airport, alerted police, the National Parks Board said in a statement on Facebook.

"This is the largest-ever seizure of rhinoceros horns in Singapore, surpassing the previous record of 34.7 kg (76.5 pounds) in 2022," it noted.

Authorities also confiscated some 150 kg (330 pounds) of other unidentified animal parts, with investigations ongoing to determine their species.

"Singapore takes a zero-tolerance stance on the illegal trade of endangered wildlife species, and their parts and derivatives," the statement added.

Penalties for transporting CITES-protected animals through Singapore without permits include fines of up to S$200,000 ($153,680) per specimen — totaling $768,403 at market value — and/or up to eight years in prison.

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