DRI Cracks Down on Illegal Wildlife Trade: 13 Arrested as Leopard Pelts, Star Tortoises and Tiger Bones Seized
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence operatives have arrested thirteen persons in six coordinated pan-India raids over ten days, dismantling major illicit wildlife trafficking networks spanning multiple states in which 180 live Indian star tortoises, 12 live tokay geckos, around 24 kg pangolin scales and 500 grams tiger bones seized.
Enforcement teams recovered contraband ranging from live protected reptiles to high-value skeletal derivatives, spotlighting the persistent black market demand for endangered fauna across international borders.
Multi-State Raids Yield Protected Pelts and Rare Reptiles
Intelligence-led operations stretched from Odisha to Meghalaya, targeting syndicates dealing in Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act.
In Odisha's Koraput district, officers intercepted a suspect carrying a single leopard pelt, while a parallel sweep near Bengaluru yielded 180 live Indian Star Tortoises concealed within fabric bags intended for the exotic pet trade.
Simultaneous action in Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district resulted in the seizure of nearly 15 kg of dried pangolin scales transported via commercial utility vehicle.
Syndicates Cornered from Madhya Pradesh to Assam
Enforcement actions extended deep into central and northeastern corridors. Coordinated efforts alongside state forest authorities in Madhya Pradesh led to four arrests in Sidhi district following the interception of a luxury utility vehicle carrying illicit leopard skin.
Further north in Assam, operatives intercepted smugglers across Keokhali and Karbi Anglong districts, seizing twelve live Tokay Geckos.
Additional pangolin scales, and half a kilogram of tiger bones complete with skull and teeth fragments.
Officials handed over all suspects and recovered wildlife assets to local forest divisions for formal legal proceedings under environmental statutes.
Sustained Inter-Agency Surveillance Targets Organised Networks
The latest wave of seizures underscores the diverse inventory favoured by poachers, ranging from traditional medicine components to live exotic specimens.
Authorities attribute the operational breakthroughs to tighter intelligence sharing between federal customs enforcement, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, and regional forest departments aimed at safeguarding national biodiversity.
