This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
On July 22, 2019, Singapore made its biggest ever illegal ivory seizure, uncovering a massive haul of elephant ivory and pangolin scales in a container from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The container, declared to be carrying timber, was actually smuggling 8.8 tonnes of elephant ivory, valued at $12.9 million, and 11.9 tonnes of pangolin scales, estimated to be worth $35.7 million.
According to the National Parks Board, Customs and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, the ivory haul is the largest seizure of elephant ivory in Singapore to date, and is estimated to have come from 300 African elephants.
The pangolin scales, found in the same container, are estimated to have come from 2,000 of the critically endangered mammals.
This is the third interception by Singapore of smuggled pangolin scales since April, bringing the total haul in just three months to 37.5 tonnes worth $112.5 million.
As a result of the seizure, the items will be destroyed.
Pangolins, also known as scaly anteaters, are the world's most trafficked mammals due to their meat and scales, which are believed to have medicinal qualities.
Elephant ivory is highly sought after for its use in crafting items like combs, pendants, and exotic jewelry.
The global trade in elephant ivory has been outlawed since 1989, following a significant decline in the African elephant population from millions in the mid-20th century to around 600,000 by the end of the 1980s.
