Smuggled Ivory, Rhino Horns to be Destroyed in Hanoi Citadel (Vietnam)

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Thanh Nien News

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The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has sought government approval for a plan to destroy elephant tusks and rhino horns seized from illegal traders to raise people’s awareness about not using them.

Online newspaper Dan Tri, which obtained a copy of the plan, reported that the ministry would destroy the products at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi in the third quarter this year.

A team will be set up to collect information about the total amount of tusks and horns seized.

There will be performances to raise awareness about wildlife protection, and films will be shown about the destruction of wildlife products and the fight against poaching.

About 230 guests will be invited to witness the destruction at the citadel, including representatives of 30 foreign agencies.

Part of the crushed tusks and horns will be saved for educational and exhibition purposes while the rest will be thrown into the Red River.

Vietnam is thought to be a major destination and transit point for smuggled elephant tusks and rhino horns.

Last year eight tons of ivory and horns were seized as several major smuggling cases were busted at Da Nang’s Tien Sa Port.

They had been smuggled in containers from ports in Mozambique and Nigeria and were transiting in Da Nang en route to Taiwan.

http://www.thanhniennews.com/education-youth/smuggled-ivory-rhino-horns-to-be-destroyed-in-hanoi-citadel-61229.html