Liaoning exercises zero tolerance of wildlife smuggling

The fight against the smuggling of endangered wildlife and products in Liaoning province has made substantial progress, according to a press conference held by Shenyang Customs on May 16.

In the first quarter of this year, Shenyang Customs seized 104 pieces of smuggled ivory products and 208 pieces of red coral – as well as seizing contraband and arresting one suspect.

The smuggled goods included ivory carvings, jewelry, painted items, tableware and ornaments.

One of the representative cases involved the smuggling of some 4.93 kilograms of ivory products, with an estimated value of 205,500 yuan ( $29,751.99). A criminal suspect surnamed Lin was accused of smuggling the products into the country.

Officials said Shenyang Customs had zero tolerance of the illicit trade in endangered wildlife and products. 

"We will make efforts to crack down on smuggling of wildlife by using more advanced intelligent reconnaissance means and equipment," said Wang Yansheng, deputy commissioner of the customs authority.

Since 2015, the Chinese government has rolled out a series of measures to suspend the import of hunting trophies and ivory products.

China banned the entire domestic ivory trade at the beginning of last year, as part of its commitment to protecting wild animals.

Shenyang Customs holds a press conference to brief journalists on measures for combating the smuggling of wildlife, on May 16. [Photo/chinanews.com]

Smuggled wildlife products are displayed at Shenyang customs on May 16. [Photo/chinanews.com] 

A wide range of contraband wildlife products are displayed at Shenyang customs on May 16. [Photo/chinanews.com]