Hundreds of African elephant tusks hidden inside logs are seized at Thai port

Hundreds of African elephant tusks hidden inside logs were seized at a port in Thailand.

The shipment had been declared as 568 processed timber logs from Zambia when customs officers intercepted the hidden animal remains at Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi.

Authorities said the inspection followed a tip-off from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) to examine two suspicious containers at the port.

Investigators found that 32 of the logs had been used to conceal the wildlife products.

Footage shows officers tapping several hollowed-out timber logs. They carefully pried the wooden products, discovering numerous tusks and unidentified animal remains encase within.

Officials said 446 pieces of ivory were seized.

The Customs Department said it will coordinate with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to examine the remains and carry out DNA testing to determine the species.

Customs Department Director-General Phanthong Loykulnanta said authorities were stepping up inspections of suspicious shipments to prevent the illegal importation of wildlife and animal remains.

He added: 'We are also collaborating with relevant domestic and international agencies to ensure effective law enforcement. Furthermore, following the joint inspection with relevant agencies, the Customs Department will hold a press conference to announce the findings at Laem Chabang Port.'

Thailand is a major transit hub for animal trafficking. With its porous borders with Myanmar and Cambodia, the country is a key route for smuggled wildlife and wildlife products across Southeast Asia.