Latest news and updates
Surrey man arrested in ivory investigation
24 January 2012
A man has been arrested in Surrey as part of a UK Border Agency investigation into the alleged illegal export of ivory.
The 61-year-old was held following a raid on an address in the College Hill area of Haslemere on the morning of Sunday 22 January 2012.
Officers from our criminal and financial investigation team seized a number of items made from ivory, including tusks and numerous carvings. They also seized a computer, a camera and several thousand pounds in cash.
The import and export of ivory is restricted under the Convention in International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) convention and items can only be brought into or sent out of the EU if the correct permits have been applied for and issued.
The 61-year-old was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the illegal exportation of an endangered species. Following questioning he was bailed pending further enquiries until a date in April.
Assistant director Peter Avery, from the UK Border Agency's criminal and financial investigation team, said:
'The raid was part of an investigation into allegations that ivory was being sold illegally on the internet.
'The illicit trade in animal products like ivory is a serious contributory factor in the threat of extinction faced by many endangered species, and that is why the rules around moving them are so strict.'
The operation was supported by specialist staff from the UK Border Agency's CITES (Convention in International Trade in Endangered Species) team.
The Heathrow-based CITES team are highly regarded specialists in the field of endangered species.
They work closely with the National Wildlife Crime Unit and police forces on investigations and provide expert advice on import and export issues. They also act as the main point of contact for other enforcement agencies and Non Government Organisations in endangered species related issues.