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Thai authorities intercept 11th ivory shipment so far this year

The shipment is believed to have originated in Congo and was ultimately destined to nearby Laos, but a tip-off helped Thai authorities catch wind of the illegal goods while they were still en route. The two crates, which were marked as marble, were intercepted at the Suvarnabhumi Airport outside of Bangkok.

Ivory prices have been rising dramatically, but unfortunately the demand for the exotic bones has not dissipated in recent years. China and other Asian countries generate most of the demand, with ivory being used to make a variety of goods, including trinkets and billiards balls.

Sadly, China’s continued economic development is likely fueling demand for ivory as more people find themselves with more money to spend.

In 2013 alone, it was estimated that as many as 20,000 elephants were killed. This actually marks an improvement from 2011, when 25,000 elephants were killed. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda accounted for an estimated 80 percent of the ivory produced in 2013.

Increased legal enforcement against poaching and smuggling, in combination with a dwindling population of elephants is likely making life harder for poachers. Only an estimated 500,000 African elephants remain alive today, representing a 95 percent decline over the last century.

Asia is also home to a large population of elephants, but many Asian elephants lack tusks, making them less likely to be targeted by poachers.

Thailand has emerged as one of the key transportation hubs for ivory and other illicit goods destined for Asia. Thai authorities, however, are looking to increase their enforcement of anti-poaching and drug smuggling laws. Poachers often use established drug smuggling routes and methods to transport their goods.

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