Giant clam shells worth $24.8 million seized in Philippine raid
Issued on:
17/04/2021 - 06:38
Conservationists say giant clam shells are used as an alternative material for products ranging from earrings to chandeliers as ivory becomes scarce Handout Philippine coast Guard (PCG)/AFP
2 min
Manila (AFP)
Philippine authorities said Saturday they have seized some 200 tonnes of illegally harvested giant clam shells worth nearly $25 million in one of the biggest known operations of its kind in the country.
Conservationists have expressed alarm over the surging illicit trade in the endangered creatures, which are used as a substitute for ivory following a global crackdown in the trade of elephant tusks.