7.9 tonnes of seized elephant ivory worth an estimated $13 million was crushed on Monday (June 13), said the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA).
The ivory was pulverised by an industrial rock crusher, incinerated at an eco-waste incineration plant, and the ashes would be used as landfill at Pulau Semakau.
This is the first time AVA has crushed seized ivory. The authority added that the move sends a strong signal that Singapore has zero tolerance on being used a conduit to smuggle endangered species and their parts.
Mr Desmond Lee, Senior Minister of State for National Development and Home Affairs, witnessed the crushing and said: “Tackling this illicit trade requires close international co-operation, and also the assistance of the public and NGOs. We will continue our enforcement efforts, to prevent Singapore from being used as a transit point.”
Singapore is a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement that ensures trade does not threaten wildlife species with extinction.
Ms Tan Poh Hong, CEO of AVA, also urged the public to play their part. She said: “Demand is the impetus for poachers of endangered animals. The public can help reduce demand by not buying such products. When demand falls, poaching will naturally fall too.”
Anyone with information on illegal wildlife trade can contact AVA at 6805 2992 or submit feedback via AVA’s website. All information provided will be kept in strict confidence.
The authority added that illegally acquired or imported products that contain or purport to contain endangered species detected will be seized.
Those found guilty of importing, exporting or re-exporting CITES-listed specimens without a permit from AVA will face a maximum fine of $50,000 per item (not exceeding an aggregate of $500,000) and/or up to 2 years’ jail.
minlee@sph.com.sg
