ROMULUS, Mich. – Ivory jewelry made from elephant tusks was recently taken from a traveler at the Detroit Metro Airport, officials said.

A passenger from South Korea arrived at DTW Monday (May 17) and was discovered to have ivory prayer beads and bracelets made from elephant tusks, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The ivory must meet certain U.S. import / export requirements for fish and wildlife, officials said. It is not allowed in the United States due to the Endangered Species Act, which protects African elephants from increased poaching, tweeted CBP Field Operations Director Christopher. Perry.

“African elephants are poached at alarming levels to fuel the illegal ivory trade,” Perry tweeted.

“Under this law, you cannot sell or offer for sale interstate or overseas; import; export; or take (which includes harassing, harming or killing) any elephant or elephant product, unless you meet ESA requirements, ”a CPB spokesperson said.

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The ivory was left by the owner at FWS, officials said.