The smuggled tusks were hidden among cow horns in a container. — VNA/VNS Photo

HẢI PHÒNG — Just four days after discovering nearly half a tonne of illegal ivory tusks, Hải Phòng authorities discovered another 42 tusks weighing a total of 125kg on Monday.

The discovery came after a suspicious 40-foot container was inspected by the Coast Guard Region 1, in coordination with the Hải Phòng Customs Department and relevant authorities.

During the inspection, the authorities discovered 42 tusks hidden inside sacks that were mixed with the horns of farmed cows, imported from Africa to Việt Nam by sea.

Previously, on the afternoon of February 2, the coast guard and Hải Phòng customs authorities unsealed a different container that was also registered to be carrying cow horns, finding inside 117 elephant tusks with a total weight of about 490kg, following an insider tip.

So far 625kg of ivory tusks have been discovered in this smuggling case.

The case is under investigation. Authorities said those responsible would be strictly penalised following the law.

Việt Nam has banned the trade of elephant tusks since 1992. According to Vietnamese law, individuals who store, transport, trade or advertise ivory of 2kg or more can be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison and fined up to VNĐ15 billion (US$633,820). — VNS