Spanish authorities address ivory seizure and art theft warnings

The Civil Guard in Las Palmas has seized a collection of ivory pieces after a homeowner discovered them during planned renovations. The collection includes four ivory tusks of various sizes—three of which feature engravings—numerous carved figures, and two wooden canes with carved ivory handles. The owner voluntarily reported the find to the Nature Protection Service (Seprona) because the legal provenance of the items could not be verified.

Separately, during an international seminar in Granada, officials from the Civil Guard warned of criminal organizations targeting cultural institutions to steal artworks containing precious metals. These items are reportedly being melted down to be sold as raw materials on the international black market. Authorities emphasized that while the economic impact is difficult to quantify, the loss of historical and cultural heritage is significant, necessitating increased international cooperation to protect Spanish patrimony.