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Officials seize more than 280 pieces of ivory from Hong Kong shop, biggest haul since trade banned last year

  • Officials seize biggest haul of ivory since trade was banned late last year
  • Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department staff warn they will clamp down on suspected violations of law

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A haul of elephant tusks seized several years ago as part of a crackdown on the cross-border trade in endangered species parts. Photo: Winson Wong.

More than 280 pieces of suspected ivory have been seized from a Hong Kong shop, government officials announced on Thursday.

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It was the biggest haul of elephant ivory since its possession, importation and re-export was outlawed last year.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, which carried out the raid and seized 284 items at the store in the Yau Tsim Mong district in Kowloon, said it had conducted inspections on Wednesday and given a warning to the shop before officials acted.

“The government is committed to the protection of endangered species, including elephants,” the department said.

It added it had stepped up inspection efforts and worked with other government agencies to combat the trade in illegal ivory.

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It was not clear if the owner of the shop was arrested or charged in connection with the incident.

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