6 tons of seized ivory being crushed in Denver

U.S. wildlife officials in Denver plan to destroy 6 tons of ivory to send a message against elephant poaching that has reached record levels.

The ivory tusks, statues and jewelry that will be destroyed Thursday were confiscated by federal agents around the country.

Global treaties ban trafficking in ivory. But tens of thousands of African and Asian elephants are killed each year to support the illegal trade.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says it hopes the ivory crush raises global awareness about the ongoing elephant slaughter.

The event is being held at the National Wildlife Property Repository in Commerce City.