19/05/2014

Revenue May Destroy Seized Rhino Horns

Eight rhino tusks, worth an estimated €2 million, may be destroyed despite revenue officials keeping them secured in a secret high-security location for the last four years.

The horns were seized by customs officers in 2010 at Shannon Airport.

At the time the eight horns were valued at €492,160, according to the Irish Independent. However, blackmarket value of the tusks is now said to be closer to €2m.

It is understood that despite suggestions that the horns be donated to a museum, the monetary value of the tusks for criminals is said to have ruled this out.

A revenue spokesperson is understood to have refused to rule out the possibility that the horns will be destroyed to end the cost of storing them.

(MH/CD)

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