In a significant crackdown on wildlife trafficking, authorities at Changi Airport intercepted a record seizure of 35.7 kg of rhinoceros horns earlier this month. This astonishing haul, valued at approximately S$1.13 million (US$870,000), marks the largest of its kind in Singapore’s history.
Details of the Seizure
On 8 November 2024, the National Parks Board (NParks) and SATS reported that the shipment, which originated from South Africa and was bound for Vientiane, Laos, was suspiciously labelled as “furniture fittings.”
During a routine inspection, staff member Vengadeswaran Letchumanan detected a foul odour emanating from one of the cargo packages. This prompted a more thorough investigation that revealed the concealed animal parts, which included:
- Twenty pieces of rhinoceros horn
- 150 kg of additional animal parts, such as bones, teeth, and claws
Response from Authorities
Dr Anna Wong, Senior Director of Wildlife Trade at NParks, emphasised the significance of this record seizure, stating, “Most people purchase rhino horns due to their perceived medicinal value.” She reiterated Singapore’s commitment to combating illegal wildlife trade.
In response to the incident, NParks and SATS reiterated their zero-tolerance approach towards wildlife trafficking, being a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
“The horns will be disposed of according to CITES guidelines to prevent them from re-entering the market,” the authorities stated in their joint release.
Legal Consequences
Singapore imposes severe penalties for violations concerning CITES-listed species. Penalties can reach up to S$200,000 for each specimen in transit without a valid CITES permit and may include imprisonment of up to eight years.
Notably, this seizure surpasses the previous incident on 4 October 2022, where 34.7 kg of rhinoceros horns were found, leading to the arrest and sentencing of the owner.
Kuah Boon Kiam, VP of SATS Cargo Services, highlighted the international nature of wildlife trafficking, focusing on the crucial role that trained personnel play in detecting illegal shipments.
Community Awareness
As Singapore continues to combat wildlife crime, the public is urged not to purchase items made from endangered species. Dr Wong’s message is clear: “We are very committed to combating illegal wildlife trade.” The importance of preventing such trade cannot be overstated in the quest for global wildlife conservation.