Elephant Tusks From South Africa Worth US$762, 146 Mil Seized

PORT KLANG (Malaysia), Jan 10 (Bernama) -- The Selangor Customs have foiled an attempt to smuggle in elephant tusks weighing 492.4kg valued at RM2.4 million (US$762,146) at West Port here. Its director, Azis Yacub said the ivory, which were shipped from Cape Town, South Africa, were found in a container as it went through a scanning machine on Friday. "The consignment was declared as polyester and nylon strand matting, but upon examination, we found 14 boxes of elephant tusks at the back of the container laden with used tyres," he said at a news conference here Monday. Azis said Port Klang was the last port of call for the consignment originating from Cape Town before it was intercepted at West Port. Meanwhile, he said the Selangor Customs seized contraband goods, mostly cigarettes, including kretek cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, tiles, drugs and electrical goods worth nearly RM200 million (US$63.51 million) involving about RM97 million (US$30.80 million) in unpaid duties. The seizures led to the arrest of 380 people last year with 496 investigation papers opened, he said, adding that those with information on smuggling activities could contact the department at its toll-free line 1-800-88-8855. (US$1=RM3.15) --BERNAMA