Arrests for import of 4 rhinoceros horns hidden in milk powder cans

Rhinoceros horns are hidden from milk powder cans.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport Customs Branch has cooperated with the Anti-smuggling Enforcement Team- Ho Chi Minh Customs Department, the Police Division of criminal investigation of economic management and positions (PC46) and the Police Department of smuggling investigation (C74)- Ministry of Public Security and monitored a 42 year old Vietnamese man who was returning to Viet Nam from Africa.

By professional measures, the functional forces inspected and found 4 African rhinoceros horns (weighing about 2 kg) cut into small pieces and hidden in milk powder cans which were carried in personal luggage. According to the initial investigation results, the estimated value of the African rhinoceros horns is about 4.5 billion VND.

Rhinoceros horn is a prohibited import by the Government according to the List of wild fauna and flora under the management of CITES Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora. Currently customs authorities and functional forces are investigating further to strictly treat this case in accordance with provisions of the law.

According to Tan Son Nhat International Airport Customs Branch, implementing Directive 03/CT-TTg of the Prime Minister dated 20-2-2014 on the request of the ministries, agencies and localities enhance the direction and implementation of control measures, and conservation of endangered and rare fauna. Tan Son Nhat International Airport Customs Branch has implemented a special plan on anti-smuggling and transportion of wildlife products by air and has discovered many violations.