At Least 127 Elephants Killed: Spain Cracks Down On Illegal Ivory Trafficking Network

Spain’s biology constabulary unit, SEPRONA, has dismantled a awesome forbidden ivory trafficking web operating from an ancient shop successful Valencia. The operation, codenamed “Eburno”, uncovered 127 ivory items believed to person travel from endangered African and Asian elephants, killed solely for their tusks.

Investigators estimate that each seized portion corresponds to 1 dormant animal, placing nan ecological harm astatine a minimum of 127 elephants. According to experts, nan illicit waste and acquisition has caused harm weighted astatine complete €14 cardinal to world biodiversity, arsenic reported by nan Guardia Civil successful a connection connected Monday August 4.

The Guardia Civil has arrested 1 woman, a co-owner of nan ancient business, and placed 4 different individuals nether investigation. All are accused of trading ivory without nan legally required CITES documentation, which regulates world waste and acquisition successful endangered species.

Detailed carvings and high-value pieces

Among nan seized items is simply a 1.77-metre-long, 22-kilogram ivory tusk making love from nan 19th century, intricately carved and estimated to beryllium worthy tens of thousands of euros. Another standout portion is simply a miniature ivory sphere pinch soul gearwork, weighted astatine €40,000.

All confiscated pieces will now beryllium handed complete to nan Natural History Museum of Valencia, wherever they will beryllium exhibited arsenic portion of an acquisition show astir nan effect of nan forbidden ivory trade.

Investigation began successful October 2024

The investigation began past autumn aft SEPRONA officers noticed a spike successful ivory offers crossed Valencia province. They started discreet surveillance of respective ancient dealers and ornamental equipment shops, peculiarly those suspected of handling undocumented ivory.

Officers observed individuals travelling from crossed Spain to Valencia to waste and acquisition ivory pinch businesses successful nan region. The trafficked items were sold done nonstop deals, bypassing ineligible channels and export controls.

Authorities yet pinpointed a business premises successful Valencia wherever 127 ivory objects—many carved successful minimalist Asian styles—were openly displayed for sale. Forensic study confirmed they were crafted from nan tusks of protected African and Asian elephants.

Because nan business grounded to supply due documentation, nan full postulation was seized. SEPRONA later weighted nan pieces astatine €226,630 successful commercialized terms.

Ongoing request for ivory

The lawsuit highlights nan ongoing request for ivory successful nan ancient marketplace and nan devastating toll it continues to return connected endangered wildlife. Under Spanish and world law, trading successful ivory without charismatic authorisation is simply a criminal offence.

This is not nan first clip Spanish authorities person uncovered forbidden ivory operations. In caller years, akin networks person been dismantled successful Madrid, Barcelona and Málaga, often linked to broader European trafficking routes that link Africa to collectors and dealers crossed nan continent. Despite world bans, ivory remains a sought-after commodity among definite ancient collectors and backstage buyers successful Europe and Asia, wherever it is often prized for its craftsmanship, rarity and perceived prestige.

Law enforcement agencies pass that nan waste and acquisition continues to thrive done loopholes successful ancient authorities and under-regulated online marketplaces.