Vietnam Seizes 138 Kilos Of Rhino Horn, 3.1 Tons Of Animal Bones

Vietnamese authorities have seized 138 kilograms of rhino horn and 3.1 tons of other animal bones, which they suspect to be from rhinos and other rare wildlife, from a cargo shipment from South Africa, state media reported, Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa) reported.

Customs officials in Da Nang, a major port city in central Vietnam, discovered the large shipment of rhino horns and animal bones hidden in a container labeled as imported wood, Viet Nam News Agency reported, citing the city's customs department.

In early June, Da Nang's customs department set up a special unit to closely monitor the transportation of the shipment, the department said. On July 17, as soon as the shipment arrived at the port, the authorities decided to open a suspicious container due to customs declarations that appeared fraudulent. Local authorities are currently conducting further investigations into the case.

The sale and purchase of rhino horns is strictly prohibited in Vietnam. The horns, however, remain highly popular, with many believing they offer miracle cures for diseases like cancer.

In China and Vietnam, 1 kilogram of rhino horn can be sold for up to $30,000.

Vietnam's laws stipulate imprisonment penalties of between six months and 12 years to people transporting or trading wildlife parts.

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