Malaysia finds contraband wildlife items on ship

Malaysian authorities said they had seized a container of African elephant tusks, pangolin scales and other wildlife skulls and bones estimated to be worth 18 million US dollars.

The Royal Malaysian Customs Department discovered the contraband hidden behind sawn timber following checks on July 10 on a ship coming from Africa.

The haul included 6,000 kilograms of elephant tusks, 100 kilograms of pangolin scales, 25 kilograms of rhino horns and 300 kilograms of animal skulls, bones and horns.

It was the biggest seizure to date and investigations are ongoing on the importer and ship agent.