“BUSTED: A carved tusk and statue seized at the Auckland Mail Centre that have been tested and confirmed to be ivory from African elephants. 

Luxury items made of elephant ivory and turtle shell have been seized in Auckland as part of an international-sting on smugglers.

Forensic tests will be carried out to confirm the pieces including three carved tusks, six statues and a fan – were made from endangered elephant tusk and turtle shell

Anyone found guilty of importing endangered wildlife specimens face up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000.

British police simultaneously swooped on a Cheltenham address and arrested two men on suspicion of illegally purchasing two elephant tusks and evading export restrictions.”

NWCU note : The male in New Zealand will be sentenced on 10/07/2013

Source : Auckland Now

Author : Marika Hill

For full details : http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/5890235/Global-ivory-ring-busted-in-Auckland