Vietnam seizes 1.4 tons of pangolin scales, 20 elephant tusks

HANOI, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Customs forces in Vietnam's northern Hai Phong city confiscated nearly 1.4 tons of pangolin scales, and 20 elephant tusks weighing more than 100 kg hidden in a container shipped from Nigeria.

The 20-feet container, registered as carrying timber, arrived at Lach Huyen port in Hai Phong last weekend, Vietnam News Agency quoted the customs forces as reporting on Thursday.

Vietnam has banned the trading of elephant tusks in 1992. Trading, storing and transporting of elephant tusks are forbidden, with violators being fined from 5-50 million Vietnamese dong (217 - 2,170 U.S. dollars), or imprisoned from six months to five years.