SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A container of four elephant trunks from Thailand, which were destined for Fresno, was intercepted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife earlier this month.

State officials say federal officials with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service told the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) about the falsely labeled shipment on its way to Fresno from Thailand.

A picture showing the sliced elephant trunk, released by state officials, can be viewed below.

It was also confirmed that the trunks are from Asian elephants, which are protected under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES).

The investigation led CDFW investigators to uncover a criminal operation involving the illegal trade of elephant ivory, rhino horns, walrus tusks, suspected bear gall bladders, saiga antelope, and turtle shells.

The names of the three suspects arrested have not been officially released. Charges are expected to be filed in Fresno County.