Hundreds of lion claws and ivory seized from boat on Shannon Estuary

HUNDREDS of lion claws and ivory, which were seized on the Shannon Estuary, have been transferred to the National Museum of Ireland, Revenue has confirmed.

The seizure took place when a cargo vessel was inspected at Aughinish, near Foynes in December 2022.

The contraband, which weighed more than 20kgs, had travelled from Guinea, west Africa to Limerick.

According to reports, 18.5kg of lion claws were seized as well as 5.4kg of ivory.

Customs officers attached to Shannon Airport confiscated the illegal goods, under the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and in partnership with Revenue, who are responsible for implementing custom control of imported/exported goods.

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A spokesperson for the Revenue Commissioners said: “During the course of routine operations, customs officers detected a consignment which included ivory and lion claws, on a cargo vessel at Aughinish, County Limerick.”

They added: "On identification of the ivory and lion claws, officers seized the goods. Seized CITES Items, following a period allowed for appeal, may be retained, destroyed or given to another Agency, as appropriate. In this case, the ivory and lion claws were transferred to the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History."

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species aims to protect endangered species of fauna and flora by ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Revenue monitors compliance with relevant legislation in respect of such prohibitions and restrictions at points of entry to or exit from the State.