Singapore seizes record SGD66.2 million worth of pangolin scales and ivory

Three containers containing SGD66.2 million worth of pangolin scales and elephant ivory were seized by Singapore authorities on July 21, 2019. 

The shipment, reportedly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was being transhipped through Singapore to Vietnam.

8.8 tonnes of elephant ivory were seized by Singapore authorities on July 21, 2019. Photo courtesy: NParks

According to the bill of landing, the containers were said to contain timber. Upon inspection, sacks containing pangolin scales and elephant ivory were found in one of the containers, said a joint press release by National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore Customs and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

11.9 tonnes of pangolin scales, estimated to be worth about SGD48.6 million, were also found in three containers being transhipped through Singapore to Vietnam. Photo courtesy: NParks

Packed into 237 bags were 11.9 tonnes of pangolin scales, estimated to be worth about SGD48.6 million. The scales were assessed to be from the Giant Pangolin, with the quantity equivalent to close to 2,000 pangolins.

The shipment also contained 8.8 tonnes of elephant ivory, packed into 132 bags. They are estimated to be worth approximately SGD17.6 million. 

The ivory is estimated to have come from nearly 300 African elephants and is the largest seizure of elephant ivory in Singapore to date. 

The seized pangolin scales and elephant ivory will be destroyed to prevent them from re-entering the market.