Ministry of Tourism says investigations into the reported seizure of 446 elephant tusks concealed in timber logs in Thailand are ongoing.
Responding to a press query, Permanent Secretary Evans Muhanga, said authorities were working to verify shipping and export documents before issuing a comprehensive report.
Mr. Muhanga explained that the report was yet to be verified by inter-agency teams working with Thai customs officials to establish the origin and circumstances surrounding the consignment.
“The report is yet to be verified by inter-agencies working with Thailand customs officials to verify bill of lading and export papers so that they can issue a comprehensive report to you people following up the story,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary said the joint inter-agency team would issue a statement addressing questions surrounding the reported seizure.
“The agencies are best placed to provide answers on matters relating to international wildlife crime involving fauna and flora,” Mr. Muhanga said.
The update follows an article published by Zambia Monitor on October 9, 2026, regarding the reported seizure of elephant tusks concealed in timber logs.
In an earlier statement issued in Lusaka on October 8, Mr. Muhanga explained that the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) was working with the Department of Forestry, Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and other relevant agencies to establish the origin and circumstances surrounding the consignment.
He said preliminary information suggested that the shipment might have originated from Zambia, although this had not been established.
Mr. Muhanga said investigators were reviewing permits, authorizations and customs declarations associated with the consignment, with particular attention to reports that the ivory had been concealed inside hollow timber logs.
“Investigations will establish the nature and quantity of the declared cargo, identify the parties involved and determine whether any documentation had been falsified, misused or improperly obtained,” he said.
He also indicated that a preliminary inspection of the government’s ivory strongroom had revealed no indication that ivory had been stolen or unlawfully removed from the facility.
