Thailand Seizes 400 Ivory Pieces from Zambia Shipment, Launches DNA Investigation

Thai authorities announced the seizure of roughly 400 pieces of African elephant ivory concealed inside timber containers from Zambia at Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi province. The Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) will have its academics and forensic experts inspect, count, and conduct DNA testing on the confiscated tusks. The DNA analysis aims to determine the elephants’ origins and will be shared with Interpol to identify the main perpetrators and the destination countries of the illegal cargo. The move follows CITES regulations that require DNA sampling for seizures over 500 kg within 90 days. An earlier large seizure in Zambia has yet to undergo DNA analysis, underscoring the importance of early forensic work.