Bengaluru: In a meticulously orchestrated operation, officers from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) based in Bengaluru have successfully foiled a syndicate’s attempts to engage in illicit trading of elephant tusks.
The intercepted suspects were apprehended on the outskirts of Bengaluru, Karnataka, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The interception, which occurred during a routine patrol, led to the apprehension of three individuals traveling in an auto-rickshaw. Upon searching the suspects, DRI officers made a significant discovery – concealed within a large bag were two elephant tusks, totalling a weight of 6.8 kilograms.
These tusks, classified under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, were swiftly seized in accordance with Section 50 of the act.
Following the initial interception, subsequent investigations and coordinated efforts led to the arrest of four additional accomplices who were believed to be involved in facilitating the illegal wildlife trade. All seven individuals involved have been taken into custody and are currently undergoing legal proceedings.
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The recent amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, which came into effect on April 1, 2023, have empowered DRI officers with enhanced authority to combat domestic wildlife trafficking. Leveraging these newfound powers, the DRI has been at the forefront of anti-smuggling and counter-trafficking efforts not only across international borders but also within the country.
In the fiscal year 2023-2024 alone, DRI units nationwide have conducted a total of six successful operations targeting the illegal trade of elephant tusks. These operations, conducted in cities such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, collectively resulted in the seizure of 57.5 kilograms of elephant tusks.
The recent operation in Bengaluru underscores the DRI’s unwavering commitment to combat wildlife trafficking and its proactive stance in intercepting illicitly traded wildlife items. Such endeavors are crucial in preserving India’s rich biodiversity and safeguarding endangered species from exploitation.
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