Customs seized more than three tons of ivory in Maputo

The Customs estimated that they had seized one and a half tonnes of ivory in the Port of Maputo yesterday. However, the numbers are different. Authorities seized three tons and four hundred pounds of ivory.

According to the press officer of the Tax Authority, Fernando Tinga, there are eight hundred and sixty-seven ivory tips, weighing just over three and a half tons. At the very least, four hundred and thirty-four elephants will have been slaughtered.

Meanwhile, drivers still members of the port transporters' association in Maputo have expressed their indignation at the arrest of their colleague, who was driving the truck with ivory. These say that his colleague was not and had no obligation to load the truck.

In telephone contact, the press officer of the Tax Authority assured that an internal investigation was in order to investigate the possible involvement of employees in this crime.

The country tried to contact the Chinese company Newlite, named as the owner of the merchandise. However, at the address indicated, our report only encountered a high wall, with the gate locked, unclaimed and with no one to attend, in a wild place in the Beluluane area in Maputo province.

SAISI