A TRAVELER was detained by Huanggang Customs officers at Futian Checkpoint after he was caught carrying more than 9.1 kilograms of ivory and ivory products to cross the border from Hong Kong to Shenzhen on Tuesday, according to sznews.com.

The traveler, who hasn’t been identified, caught the attention of the customs officers as he was carrying a large backpack. When the customs officers checked his backpack, over 9.1 kilograms of ivory products covered in black tape were found.

The seized ivory products included four ivory balls as big as an adult’s fist and seven ivory segments. One of the ivory segments was nicely engraved, while the other segments could be spliced into two 1-meter-long pieces, according to the Daily report.

According to the traveler, he was told by some strangers that he could get 300 yuan (US$44.12) as a reward if he took the backpack across the border. He said he had no idea what was in the bag and he never thought that he was doing something illegal.

The investigation of the case continues.

The spokesperson of Huanggang Customs said that the number of passengers illegally bringing ivory across the border has been reduced by 70 to 80 percent over the past year, as most passengers are well aware of the relevant regulations.

Passengers who are used by others to illegally carry endangered species and related products across the border will also be held legally responsible, according to the spokesperson.

(Zhang Yang, Dong Haowu)