Vietnam Seizes 1.2 Tons Ivory

Vietnamese authorities announced a major seizure of elephant ivory illegally shipped from Africa. The haul, consisting of 221 pieces weighing 1,193 kilograms (2,630 pounds), was displayed to the media on August 12, 2026, at Quy Nhon port in Gia Lai province. The ivory was discovered hidden in sawn timber within three containers that arrived on July 9. The illegal cargo also contained 79.3 kilograms (175 pounds) of animal bones from big cats such as tigers. According to Canada — Ontario Provincial Police, the shipment originated from the Republic of the Congo. A criminal investigation was launched for violations of regulations regarding protected animals. Vietnam is a major hub for illicit wildlife trade, with much contraband transshipped to China. The seizure is the largest ever at Quy Nhon, though smaller than several multi-ton seizures in Danang and Haiphong over the past decade. Trade in elephant ivory is largely banned under CITES, a treaty to which almost all UN member countries are parties.