Zambia probes Thai ivory seizure

Mr Muhanga said particular attention would be given to reports that the ivory had been concealed inside hollow timber logs, with investigators examining how the timber was sourced, processed and exported.

He said Zambia was also conducting internal checks of its national ivory stockpiles and associated records.

“A preliminary inspection of the Government’s ivory strongroom has so far revealed no indication that ivory was stolen or unlawfully removed from the facility,” Mr Muhanga said.

He said available information on elephant poaching in Zambia did not currently indicate poaching on a scale that would readily account for the quantity of ivory reportedly seized.

However, Mr Muhanga said no possibility was being ruled out as investigations continued.

He said Zambia’s position as a land-linked country also required consideration of the possibility that it may have been used as a transit route for wildlife trafficking.

Mr Muhanga said establishing the source and origin of the ivory would require examination of the seized tusks, tracing of markings, forensic analysis and review of timber export records, customs declarations, container movements and transit routes.

He said the investigation would also examine individuals and entities associated with the consignment.

The Government commended the Thai Customs Department and wildlife authorities for intercepting the consignment and said Zambia remained committed to combating wildlife trafficking and strengthening international cooperation against the illegal trade in wildlife products.