Crackdown on Ivory Smuggling: China Customs: Major ivory smuggling case cracked

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02:09

Chinese authorities have announced a major ivory bust. Nearly 2,700 elephant tusks were seized in a joint operation involving regional and provincial customs offices and the police. It comes just over a year into China's tough new ban on ivory. And CGTN's Sun Ye reports that the ban is here to stay.

It's being called the biggest ivory smuggling case in years. Nearly 7 and a half tons of ivory - about 2,700 tusks worth - were seized by China's customs authorities. 20 suspects are now in custody. Monday's announcement comes two weeks after the joint operation.

"We have a 'zero tolerance' policy when it comes to smuggling ivory tusks, as well as other products from endangered species. We have cracked down hard on illegal activities and our efforts have proven effective."

The General Administration of Customs has cracked 53 illegal ivory smuggling cases so far this year, seizing some 8.5 tons of ivory products in the process. And it vows to step up its efforts, with plans to develop a smart system to identify (suspect) ivory products in hiding.

HU WEI, VICE MINISTER GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF CUSTOMS "Cracking down on ivory smuggling continues to be our priority in 2019. We will enhance international cooperation in enforcement, education and supervision."

SUN YE BEIJING "The administration also says it's now heavily reinforcing cross border check up inspections."

China banned all domestic ivory trade at the beginning of last year, as part of its ongoing wildlife protection project. According to a WWF survey, there had been a more than 50 percent decrease in China's ivory product demand and transactions as of September. SY, CGTN, BJ.