Ivory ‘smuggled out of Malawi’ seized in Australia

As Malawi government postponed its plan to torch ivory stockpile worth $7.5 million but a large shipment of illegal ivory was smuggled out of the country only to be seized by Australian Customs officials while en-route to Malaysia.

More than 110kg of ivory, valued at more than 385 000 US dollars and believed to have been harvested from poached elephants, was discovered on ship during a stop-over in Perth in Western Australia.

Government spokesperson, Kondwani Nakhumwa said the postponement to torch ivory came because government was advised that another 2.6 tonnes of ivory is still in the system as exhibits are awaiting conclusion in courts.

Director of Parks and Wildlife, Brighton Kumchedwa, said the ivory that was meant to be burnt “is sitill intact”.

Kumchedwa suspected that ivory from Malawi could have been targeted for illegal ivory trade due to poor wildlife legislation because those dealing in ivory trade are wealthy people and study weaknesses of the structures of a particular country before exploiting them.

He  said while they have achieved results in combating illegal ivory trade, government still has work to do.

“Whilst some tremendous results in the last year, wildlife conservation is heading towards a crisis that requires collaboration, grit and determination. The fight has only just begun.” said Kumchedwa

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