BANGKOK, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Police seized 20 elephant tusks and arrested a police officer for allegedly smuggling them into Thailand, anti-animal trafficking sources told the Bangkok Post.
Police in Chumphon province stopped a vehicle Saturday and found the tusks hidden in bags in the car, the Post reported.
Authorities arrested the driver, a police captain, and charged him with violating Thailand's Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act, the Post said.
The suspect allegedly said he smuggled the tusks from Malaysia into Thailand.
FREELAND Foundation, a Bangkok organization dedicated to protecting wildlife, said it was pleased by the seizure.
The Post noted the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Specials of Wild Flora and Fauna will be held in Thailand in March.
