Local authorities of the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai seized more than 1,600 items suspected to be made from ivory.

Nguyen Ba Tung (middle) and the seized jewellery

The products include different kinds of jewellery such as necklaces, bracelets, statues of Buddha and rings.  

The Forest Management Department under the Vietnam Administration of Forestry worked with police to keep a close watch on Nguyen Ba Tung, 24, who was suspected of transporting ivory products following information from members of the public in Gia Lai Province.

On April 19, at 97 Le Loi Street in Pleiku City, Tung was caught carrying a bag containing up to more than 1,600 jewellery products.

At the police station, Tung failed to show papers of origin for the items. He admitted he had bought back the entire products which are all made from ivory at the price of around VND100 million (USD4,500).

The police seized the products for further investigation.  

dtinews