Another 3.3 tonnes of pangolin scales seized in HCM City
The customs office at Saigon Port under the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department on May 3 seized an additional 3.3 tonnes of pangolin scales illegally imported from Africa.
The 3.3 tonnes of pangolin scales were found to be hiden in bags and covered by cashew nut bags (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) – The customs office at Saigon Port under the Ho Chi Minh CityCustoms Department on May 3 seized an additional 3.3 tonnes of pangolin scales illegallyimported from Africa.
Thecontainer was declared by Tan Vinh Thinh Trade Co. Ltd to contain dried cashewnuts. It was in transit to Cambodia from Nigeria.
Afterexamining, the customs office and the Anti-Smuggling Police Department (C74)under the Ministry of Public Security found the pangolin scales contained inbags and covered by cashew nut bags.
The city’scustoms force is working with relevant agencies to further investigate thecase.
On April27, HCM City’s Customs Department also seized nearly 3.8 tonnes of pangolin scales,illegally imported to Cat Lai Port in district 2.
Thepangolin scales were hidden in bags, in the middle of two containers,surrounded by timber blocks in order to escape the attention of authorisedagencies. The case is under investigation.
Pangolinscales are still consumed in traditional medicine although it is illegal tohunt, trap, keep, kill, transport, sell or advertise pangolins or pangolinproducts in Vietnam.-VNA
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The 3.3 tonnes of pangolin scales were found to be hiden in bags and covered by cashew nut bags (Photo: VNA) 
