Kenyan authorities on Wednesday launched an investigation into a seizure of 1.8 tonnes of ivory intercepted last December during its shipment to a foreign destination.

Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) Director Arthur Tuda said the container used to carry the ivory was disguised to contain Mazeras stones and was destined for Vietnam before it was impounded.

The seized cargo consisting of 1,099 pieces of elephant ivory was shipped back to Kenya's Mombasa port on Aug. 16 following a request by the Kenya government.

"We had received a tipoff through our intelligence and alerted the shipping company which was kind enough to accept to deliver the container to next port of call which was Singapore. It never reached its final destination," Tuda told journalists in Mombasa.

"The container will be subjected to thorough verification as law enforcement agencies widen their investigation to apprehend those behind the shipment of the consignment," said Tuda.

He told Xinhua that once the container is subjected to inspection and its details confirmed as per declaration documents, it will be handed to the police, who will proceed with the case.

So far no arrest has been made.

He said key stakeholders including senior police officers and custom officials will be involved in the investigation of ivory smuggling through Mombasa. Endi

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