Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority and Immigration & Checkpoints Authority Joint News Release Man fined $10,000 for smuggling ivory products, 2 Aug 2017

2 August 2017: A 33-year-old man, Do Trong Hoang, was fined $10,000 for smuggling ivory products.

2     The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) received a tip-off about an alleged sale of illegal ivory bird cage accessories. AVA’s investigations found that Do could be flying into Singapore with illegal ivory products and notified the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

3     On 14 July 2017, Do was stopped at Changi Airport upon arrival and his luggage was inspected. Two illegal ivory bird cage accessories were detected in his luggage and four illegal ivory bracelets were found on him and his family who was travelling with him. Do was arrested and the smuggled ivory products were seized.

Public advisory

4     In Singapore, it is an offence to illegally import/export, possess, sell, offer/advertise for sale or display to public any illegal wildlife species (including their parts and derivatives) protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna or Flora (CITES), such as the elephant and its parts and products (e.g. ivory). The offence applies to online sale and online offers for sale as well. Offenders shall be liable on conviction to a fine of up to $500,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment, and to the forfeiture of the animals/items.

5     Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore's safety and security. The security checks are critical to our nation’s security. The ICA will continue to conduct security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contrabands. As the Government takes a zero tolerance stance on the use of Singapore as a conduit to smuggle endangered species and their parts, AVA will take stern enforcement action against illegal wildlife smugglers.

6     While AVA continues to work with border control agencies to maintain vigilance, tackling illegal wildlife trade requires concerted efforts of all stakeholders, including the public. Demand is the impetus for poachers of endangered animals. The public can help reduce demand by not buying such products. The public can also alert AVA to suspected cases of illegal wildlife trade, and provide information (e.g. suspected person or company involved, type of products alleged to be smuggled, advertised or offered for sale, etc). Members of the public can share such information with AVA via our online feedback form or call us at 6805 2992. All information shared with AVA will be kept strictly confidential.

Issued by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority and Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

2 August 2017

Two ivory bird cage accessories and four ivory bracelets were detected (photo: AVA)