Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has disrupted a major ivory trafficking network. This operation took place across seven provinces, leading to significant seizures of illegal wildlife items valued at approximately 10 million baht.
CIB Ivory Trafficking Network Operation
The operation was executed on May 7 by the CIB’s Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NED). They collaborated with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to tackle international wildlife trafficking.
Details of the Raids
Authorities conducted searches at 11 locations in various provinces. The provinces involved were:
- Samut Sakhon
- Uthai Thani
- Kamphaeng Phet
- Chumphon
- Songkhla
- Chonburi
- Chanthaburi
During the raids, officials arrested nine individuals who reportedly admitted to involvement in the trafficking activities.
Seized Evidence and Valuation
The confiscated evidence included 13 different categories of items. The total estimated value of the haul reached about 9.9 million baht. Key items seized during the operation comprised:
- Elephant ivory in various tusk sections and fragments (approximately 250 kilograms, valued at 7.5 million baht)
- 160 ivory-handled knives (worth around 2.4 million baht)
- Other items such as prayer beads, amulet necklaces, jewelry, cutting and grinding machines, scales
- Wildlife remains, including hawksbill turtle parts and stingray tail pieces
This successful crackdown underscores ongoing efforts to combat wildlife crime in Thailand. The CIB remains committed to protecting endangered species and dismantling illegal trafficking networks.
