Authorities recently uncovered and confiscated nearly 1.6 metric tons of smuggled ivory camouflaged with black paint at a port in Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam.

On Tuesday, an official from the Customs Department of Hai Phong revealed that the haul, comprising 547 ivory pieces weighing a total of 1,580kg, was stowed in multiple sacks.

They were found within an imported container at Hai Phong’s Lach Huyen international port. 

During investigations, local authorities uncovered indications that the recipient company listed on the bill of lading, located in northern Lang Son Province, was a fraudulent entity. Over the years, the Hai Phong customs department has earned acclaim for leading efforts in solving ivory smuggling cases, including several high-profile instances.