Elephant tusk and aloeswood are seized at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Photo: Tuoitre)

Customs officers working at the southern airport first spotted a suspicious suitcase being carried by a Vietnamese man as he was travelling on the VJ802 flight from Bangkok to Vietnam on November 2. 

Upon conducting a search of the man’s luggage, they discovered an elephant tusk weighing a total of 1.8kg, and approximately 22.5kg of aloeswood, which had been secretly stashed by the 41 year-old man.

All of the items are currently being kept by the airport’s customs officers as part of exhibits in the ongoing investigation. VOV

Vietnam needs to do more to combat wildlife trafficking

Nearly a decade ago, Vietnam lost its last rhino. Since then, the country has made great efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect biodiversity. 

Endangered species decline as wildlife trafficking continues

Vietnam remains a hot spot for wildlife hunting and trafficking despite efforts to curtail it.