Vietnam seizes 125 kilos of rhino horn hidden in plaster

Fifty-five pieces of rhino horn were found encased in plaster at an airport in the Vietnamese capital, authorities said yesterday, as the country tries to crack down on sophisticated wildlife smuggling routes.

The communist state is both a consumption hub and popular transit point for the multibillion dollar trade in animal parts.

The 125 kilogram (275 pound) haul of rhino horn discovered at Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport on Thursday was found after the carefully disguised shipment aroused suspicion.