Ussuri customs officers found animal derivatives and amber products in the luggage of a Chinese citizen

Wolf and sperm whale tusks, fragments of mammoth tusk and amber items were found by Ussuriysk customs officers in the luggage of a Chinese citizen returning home at the Pogranichny checkpoint.
On the monitor of the X-ray machine customs officers found small objects resembling animal tusks in his luggage. After the inspector’s question about the presence of items prohibited for export, the man replied that he had no goods subject to declaration. However, during the inspection, 17 wolf and sperm whale tusks, 29 sawed fragments of mammoth tusk, as well as several amber items were found in his suitcase among his personal belongings.
The man explained that the goods did not belong to him and he was taking them across the border at the request of a friend.
Ussuriysk Customs initiated a case under part 1 of article 16.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (non-declaration of goods). The sanction of the article provides for a fine of up to twice the value of the goods with their confiscation.
The products were seized and sent for expert examination, based on the results of which a decision will be made on bringing the violator to administrative responsibility under Article 16.3 of the CAO RF (non-compliance with prohibitions and restrictions).
BACKGROUND
The wolf and sperm whale are among the species whose trade is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES Convention). A special permit from Rosprirodnadzor is required for individuals to export their derivatives, as well as the remains of mammoth fauna, which are classified as items of paleontology.