Nine arrested in African ivory smuggling sting

Nine people have been arrested following a series of sting operations across seven provinces, during which 250 kilogrammes of African ivory smuggled into Thailand via Vietnam were confiscated.

Pol Lt Gen Natthasak Chaowanasai, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, stated on Monday that police and environment officials tracked the illicit trade through a Facebook group called ‘Khiaw Nga Khrueang Rang Chak Sat’ (fangs, tusks and talismans made from animal products).

To build the case, detectives purchased products from the group and conducted forensic tests. The results confirmed that the items were made from African ivory, prompting coordinated raids on 11 premises in Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kamphaeng Phet, Samut Sakhon, Songkhla and Uthai Thani on May 7.

The operation resulted in the arrest of nine Thai suspects and the seizure of ivory products and processing tools, such as saws and drills. The total value of the confiscated goods is estimated at 9.9 million baht.

Investigations reveal that the ivory was shipped by sea from Africa to Vietnam, before being smuggled across the Mekong River into Thailand.

Vietnamese workers in Thailand alledgedly helped source the ivory for the suspects, who then carved the tusks into Buddha amulets, knife handles and prayer beads.

Pol Lt Gen Natthasak noted that the trading group had been active for about a year, with total sales of approximately 10 million baht.

The nine suspects have reportedly confessed to the crimes, while police continue to expand the investigation to identify the Vietnamese smugglers.

Sadudee Punpugdee, wild fauna and flora protection director at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, emphasised that the possession of African ivory is illegal in Thailand.

The seized ivory will be stored until all legal cases are finalised and will subsequently be destroyed.