On 5 March 2018, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) detained a container at the Pasir Panjang Scanning Station for further checks. The shipment originated from Apapa, Nigeria, and was declared to have contained groundnuts. The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) inspected the container and uncovered 61 bags of elephant ivory (1,787 pieces), weighing about 3,500kg. The ivory, which was to be re-exported to Vietnam, was estimated to be worth about US$2.5million. AVA seized the ivory and the importer is currently assisting with our investigations. The illegal shipment was detected as a result of inter-agency risk assessment and collaboration.

2.          In Singapore, it is an offence to illegally import/export, possess, sell, offer/advertise for sale or display to public any illegal wildlife species (including their parts and derivatives) protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Elephants are protected species under CITES and international trade in elephant ivory is prohibited. Offenders shall be liable on conviction to a fine of up to $500,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment, and to the forfeiture of the animals/items. The same penalties apply to transit or transhipment of illegal wildlife species (including their parts and derivatives).

3.          Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore’s safety and security. The ICA will continue to conduct security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contrabands. As the Government takes a zero tolerance stance on the use of Singapore as a conduit to smuggle endangered species and their parts, AVA will take stern enforcement action against illegal wildlife smugglers.

4.          Members of the public with information on illegal wildlife trade can contact AVA at 6805 2992 or provide information through the online feedback form on AVA’s website (www.ava.gov.sg). All information provided to AVA will be kept in strict confidence.

AGRI-FOOD & VETERINARY AUTHORITY
IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
8 MARCH 2018

AVA & ICA Photos

61 bags of elephant ivory were detected and seized at the Pasir Panjang Scanning Station