Police in southern province of Bac Lieu are investigating an incident relating to the smuggling of 1.4 tonnes of suspected ivory.

The seized suspected ivory in Bac Lieu Province. 

Colonel Luu Hoang Ha, commander of Nha Mat Border Guard Station, said on Sunday night Criminal Police Department of Bac Lieu along with other forces inspected a car parked near the station.

Police discovered 49 packages of goods suspected to contain ivory, weighing more than a tonne, in the car.

The driver was identified as Nguyen Thanh Long, 35, who resides in Vinh Loi District’s Chau Hung Commune.

He told police the car belonged to a man from Bac Lieu City’s Vinh Trach Dong Commune.

The suspected ivory was believed to have been smuggled into the country via a fishing boat.

Police have proposed forensic testing on the seized ivory to determine its origin.

Earlier on September 6, customs officials in HCM City discovered 1.3 tonnes of ivory hidden in asphalt barrels on its way from Africa to Cambodia. 

VNS