Purloined Pachyderm Parts Pinched
Canada's largest seizure of illegal ivory

When inspectors for the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency in Halifax came across the rather innocuous black valise containing what appeared to be pieces of finished and unfinished Ivory jewelery, they knew it was an important find. They called on Environment Canada's wildlife trade enforcement officer to confirm not only that the 4,300 pieces were in fact elephant ivory, but also that it was the largest by quantity seizure of illegal elephant ivory ever in Canada. The estimated "street" value of the ivory is estimated to be about $75,000.

In the seizure made on September 8, 2000, the find was unusual. Generally, when elephant ivory is discovered at the border, it is one or two large pieces, such as a carving. In this shipment there was everything from individual beads to earrings and brooches. Most of this was obviously commercial stock as there were multiple pieces of the same item, many with price tags still on them.

There is no way of knowing just how many individual animals this quantity of ivory represents, but it could be tens or even hundreds. The ivory was probably gathered over a period of time from different sources. Seizures like this take a good deal of material out of circulation, and help reduce the commercial demand for the product, thereby reducing commercial pressure on wild populations.

Illegal trade in endangered species and products made from them poses one of the greatest international threats to the survival and recovery of endangered species. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was established to protect wild animals and plants from over exploitation by regulating their international trade. Canada was an original signatory to the Convention in 1975 and is among 151 countries around the world that enforce CITES today. Canada's law to prevent illegal import and export of endangered species and their derivatives is the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA).

Environment Canada is responsible for the enforcement of WAPPRIITA. Individuals convicted under WAPPRIITA face a fine of up to $150,000 or five years in prison upon indictment. Convicted corporations can face fines of up to $300,000.

As a result of the seizure, the individual was charged with illegal importation of ivory under the WAPPRIITA.

Help conservation by refusing to purchase endangered species and their products. Removing the market is the most effective way to stop the illegal trade in endangered species. If you import endangered species without the necessary permits you risk losing your purchase, and may be subject to prosecution.

When in doubt don't buy it!

Print Version

E-mail This Story To A Friend