A Thai police officer takes photos of seized smuggled ivory during a press conference at the police headquarters in Bangkok
The amount of ivory seized in Macau has remained low in the past few years. Since January, authorities have not launched any operations to seize illegal ivory within the territory. However, authorities say that, “there’s a great demand [for ivory] in mainland China.”
“We believe that Macau isn’t a market for the use [and trade] of ivory, therefore it’s not a destination [for ivory smuggling],” Macau Customs said.
In 2008, customs services in the region seized 528.65 kg of raw ivory, “en route from Macau to mainland China by boat.”
In 2014, 39.4 kg of raw ivory was seized and in 2013 authorities seized 50.2 kg in three separate operations that took place in mid-July, according to the same source.
The president of the African Chamber of Commerce in Macau, Francis Nwachukwu, acknowledged that there’s a great demand in mainland China, but he fears a potential increase on smuggling activities via Macau.
“I am slightly concerned because if smugglers realize it’s not illegal to import carved ivory to Macau, then the region might be used as a smuggling circuit,” he stressed.
Asked by Lusa news agency about a potential increase in ivory smuggling, The Secretary for Security’s Office said it would not comment.
Francis Nwachukwu stressed that the ban on carved ivory imports in China might be “a symbolic measure” but “it’s in the right direction as it tells poachers that the government is committed to combating the illegal trade of ivory.”
“The first step has been taken. And it’s welcome because of the illegal hunting. To make this measure even more effective, there should be close collaboration between the governments of both SARs,” he added, stressing that to achieve better results, “Macau and Hong Kong should also implement a ban on carved ivory imports.”
“These animals are endangered species, so Macau should take the same measure, thus leaving poachers with no alternatives. For instance, if they cannot enter mainland China [with the ivory] they will look for alternative routes to take the carved ivory into the mainland, perhaps from Hong Kong or Macau.” MDT/Lusa
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