Swiss customs officials have seized around 262 kilograms (578
pounds) of elephant ivory destined for China in a random check on three Chinese
passengers at Zurich Airport.
The elephant
tusks were discovered in eight suitcases carried by three Chinese nationals who
were traveling from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to the Chinese city of Beijing,
via Zurich.
The tusks had
been sawed into chunks to fit into the luggage, according to a news release
from Swiss customs officials. The discovery was made on July 6 but was only
highlighted Tuesday.
Officials also uncovered a kilogram of lion fangs and claws in
the luggage.
The ivory has an
estimated black market value of up to 400,000 Swiss francs (about $412,000),
they said.
Poaching,
shrinking habitats and a seemingly insatiable appetite for ivory in Asia --
particularly in China -- have contributed to disappearing populations of
elephants.
About 35,000
elephants are poached annually as the demand for ivory grows.
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