In breach of CITES regulations, the Hamilton firm offered three part elephant tusks – one with a white metal mount, two ‘raw’ tusks – as part of their antiques sale in May 2015. All were probably late 19th century in date but would not qualify under the worked derogation.
Police recovered the items on May 19, 2015.
The £1500 fine was imposed by Sheriff Thomas Millar at Hamilton Sheriff Court when wildlife and environment procurator fiscal Gary Aitken said: “LS Smellie and Sons Ltd failed in their responsibilities, and as a result stand convicted of a criminal offence.
“Hopefully this prosecution will send a message to others in the auction industry that they need to understand the legislation and take seriously their obligations in respect of the international convention on the trade in endangered species of fauna and flora.”
