Thai police announced the largest ivory seizure in a decade after intercepting 250 kg (551 lb) of African elephant tusks advertised in a private Facebook group. Nine people were arrested as administrators of the online group; the ivory, shipped from Africa and valued at about $300,000, was recovered across seven provinces. The suspects face up to 10 years in prison and a one million baht fine. CITES has banned international ivory trade since 1990, and both African and Asian elephants are classified as endangered by the IUCN.
Thailand Makes Largest Ivory Seizure In A Decade — Nine Arrested Over 250 kg Haul
Thai police seized smuggled ivory valued at around $300,000 (ANTHONY WALLACE)(ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/AFP)
Thai police on Monday announced the country’s largest seizure of smuggled ivory in 10 years, arresting nine people accused of attempting to sell 250 kilograms (551 pounds) of African elephant tusks through a private Facebook group.
Operation and Arrests
Anti-wildlife trafficking authorities said the ivory, valued at roughly $300,000, had been shipped by sea from Africa and recovered across seven provinces in Thailand. Investigators identified a private Facebook group used to advertise and sell the contraband; after months of surveillance, police arrested nine Thai nationals who served as group administrators and posted items for sale.
"It was the biggest lot we seized in 10 years," said Patompong Thongchamroon of the National Police Environmental Crime Division.
Seized Items and Suspected Market
Police reported the haul included cut pieces and fragments of tusks as well as finished products such as prayer beads, jewellery and knife handles. Authorities said the intended buyers included both Thai and Vietnamese customers.
Charges and Legal Context
The suspects face charges of illegal possession and trade of protected wildlife parts. According to a police statement, the offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a one million baht fine (about $30,800), or both. Internationally, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has banned the trade in elephant ivory since 1990, and both African and Asian elephants are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Thailand is a known transit hub for wildlife trafficking into lucrative markets across Asia. Officials said this large seizure underscores continued enforcement efforts against illegal wildlife trade and the use of social media platforms to facilitate sales.
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