Man arrested after ‘offering tusks for sale’

A MAN is being investigated after allegedly offering rhino heads and sperm whale teeth for sale.

The 27-year-old was arrested during raids at two addresses in Burnley, Lancs, when rhino heads and horns, elephant tusks, sperm whale teeth and narwhal whale tusks were among specimens seized.

Police said the suspect was later released and inquiries were continuing.

Wildlife crime officers from Lancashire Police and the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) made the finds after executing search warrants issued under the Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations.

It is illegal to sell endangered species and their remains in the UK, including ivory and rhino horns, extremely valuable on the black market.

Andy Mcwilliam, from the NWCU, which is working with Lancashire Police, described the investigation as “complex”. He added: “We will methodically work through evidence and ascertain what and if any offences have been committed.”

In November, Abbas Allawi, 52, was jailed for 14 months after rhino horns, elephant tusks and hippo teeth worth up to £2million were discovered by police dogs in a raid in Hertfordshire.