Customs Elephant tusk discovered in luggage at Geneva airport
Customs officials at Geneva Airport discovered an elephant tusk in the luggage of a 68-year-old US citizen. The protected ivory was confiscated. A fine was also imposed.
19.03.2025, 16:44
SDA
The American was stopped by customs officials last week as he was about to board a flight from Geneva airport, as the federal customs authorities announced on Wednesday. The employees of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security had been alerted by the airport security service.
Airport employees had reportedly discovered the ivory while x-raying luggage. When checking the suitcase of the American citizen, customs officials then discovered that it actually contained an elephant tusk weighing 2.8 kilograms.
As ivory is internationally protected, import, export or transit is not possible without a required Cites species protection certificate, which the traveler did not possess, the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security stated. The goods were confiscated and handed over to the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office. The latter will initiate proceedings.
A fine deposit was demanded from the traveler, the customs authorities added.
