A Chinese man has been detained in South Africa's airport on Wednesday after being found to be in possession of an illegally acquired ivory.

The Wednesday incident, according to Sky News, happened after police officials were given an unknown tip. The culprit is currently detained at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport.

Like Us on Facebook

 A statement issued by South Africa's organized crime unit reads that "The 28-year-old male, who was in transit from Namibia to board a South African Airways flight to Hong Kong was immediately arrested."

A report by AllAfrica news explains that the 18 rhino horns, which were valued at nearly 7 million rands ($495,000) and weighed in at 95 pounds, were hidden in his traveling bag . They were seized after a normal routine search was done. Other than the rhino horns, the suspect was also discovered with carved ornaments.

He is scheduled to appear before the Kempton Magistrate Court on Friday. He will be charged with the illegal acquisition of rhino horns under the Endangered Species Act.

A report by Yahoo News showed that South Africa is also a hotbed for poaching activities. In 2015, the largest record of the death of the rhino was registered and it stood at 1,200 rhinos killed.

A study done showed that the Asian community was a main destination for the illegally acquired ivory. A great number of the Asian poachers are under the belief that the horns have the power to heal a vast number of things, a belief that is strongly refuted.

South Africa is constantly striving to do away with poaching in the country which is home to the world's largest rhino population.

In August this year, another Chinese man based in Hong Kong was also found in possession of rhino horns and carved ornaments at the OR Tambo airport.

Tagschina, South Africa, poaching, rhino