The authorities have also arrested three persons from whose possession the ivory was seized on Tuesday evening.

The three accused have been identified as Ram Singh, Dilip Jena and Maqbul Ali, all haling from neighbouring Balasore district, sources said

The seizure of the ivory was made by the officials of the Baripada Forest Division. Some local conservationists also assisted the official team in unearthing the illegal trade in animal body parts in the region.

In a joint operation carried out by the forest department and Crime Branch of the State police, three persons were arrested in Bhubaneswar a few weeks ago. Fourteen kg of ivory and a six foot long leopard skin was seized from their possession.

Off late, a large number of wild elephants are being killed by poachers in different forests of Orissa. A total of 14 elephants were killed by poachers in different parts of the State during November last year alone.

A very low rate of conviction of those arrested in such cases is stated to be a major factor behind the survival of poacher gangs in the State. These gangs have links with those involved in the trade outside the State.