Estimated to be worth R400 000, elephant tusks were seized at Zimbali Eco Estate on Tuesday.

Hawks spokesperson, Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo said two men were arrested for possession of, and dealing in, elephant tusks.

Captain Mhlongo said they received a tip off and an undercover operation followed which saw to the successful arrest of the two men.

Elephant tusks were not the only items seized.

Upon searching the residence, warthog, sperm whale and hippo teeth were also seized, including other ivory pieces.

“Members found 1.3 kilogram of ivory pieces, 14 warthog teeth, 19 pieces of sperm whale teeth, 4 ivory carvings, 2 hippo teeth, 47 ivory chop sticks and 15 elephant tusks,” said Captain Mhlongo.

Aged 27 and 57, the two men appeared in the KwaDukuza Court on Wednesday where they were released on bail of R20 000 each.

The matter was postponed to March 3, 2022.

Zimbali Estate Management Association general manager, Sarika Sewpersad said they were aware of the Hawks investigating a case of “alleged contraband violation and that some of the items could have been stored on a private property within the estate”.

“We will not be commenting further on unfounded speculations which could hamper sensitive police enquiries,” she said.

It was confirmed that the men arrested own the property at which the bust took place.