The authorities in Gia Lai Province started a criminal investigation after finding one of the largest illegal wildlife shipments in central Vietnam.

The three containers arrived at Quy Nhon Port on July 9. They were said to have sawn timber from Africa, with 165 timber boxes and a total volume of nearly 65 cubic meters.

The shipment was registered under Thanh Cong Trading Services and Translation Joint Stock Company from the Republic of Congo.

Customs officers found some problems with the shipment and watched it closely while checking further.

On August 6, the Economic Police Division of Gia Lai Provincial Police checked the shipment with other units.

From August 6-8, other departments also helped check the shipment, including the Environmental Crime Prevention and Control Police Department.

Ivory was hidden inside hollow timber crates.

Using special equipment, authorities found suspicious areas in 12 timber boxes.

The boxes were specially made to hide animal bones and ivory.

The wildlife products were put inside the boxes with wax and covered with more timber to hide them.

Officers found 221 pieces of ivory and 79.3kg of animal bones after opening the boxes.

The seized items were sent for scientific examination.

The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology found that the ivory belonged to elephant species.

The animals are protected by international laws on endangered species.

A criminal case was started.

Gia Lai Provincial Police started a criminal investigation and detained people connected to the shipment.

The seizure is one of the largest cases of illegal wildlife transportation in central Vietnam.

Gia Lai police said it is the largest case of violating regulations on protecting endangered animals.

Customs authorities said the case shows the importance of risk management and customs controls.

Many agencies worked together to stop the shipment before it could clear the port.

The case files and evidence were given to the Investigation Police Agency of Gia Lai Provincial Police.

Police are still investigating the case to find those involved.

Reported by Tien Dung - Tran Hoan.