Major DRI Crackdown on Wildlife Trafficking: Tiger Parts and Pangolins Seized, 11 Arrested

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has taken stringent action against illegal wildlife trafficking and the unlawful trade of protected wildlife products. During three separate operations based on intelligence inputs, the DRI seized four carved ivory items, a piece of leopard skin, two live pangolins (one adult and one juvenile), 3 kilograms of tiger bones, and two tiger canine teeth. A total of eleven individuals were apprehended during these actions.

In the first operation, DRI officials conducted a 'decoy operation' to prevent the illegal trade of ivory. This action led to the recovery of four elephant tusks and carved items made from ivory, resulting in the arrest of three people involved in the deal. Under Section 49B of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the trade or possession of ivory without a license is prohibited. The arrested suspects and the recovered materials were handed over to the concerned Forest Range Officer.

In the second operation, on September 29, 2026, the DRI intercepted two suspects during surveillance near Purada village in the Gondia district of Maharashtra. A search of the suspects revealed a leopard skin in their possession. The leopard is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Both accused individuals, along with the skin, were handed over to the Forest Range Officer of the Deoria Range, Gondia.

In the third and largest joint operation, conducted on September 26-27, 2026, the DRI collaborated with the Forest Department, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) Mumbai, and the USTR Anti-Poaching Unit in the Allapalli forest area of Maharashtra. Six people were arrested on suspicion of illegal trade in endangered wildlife. An adult pangolin, a juvenile pangolin, 3 kg of tiger bones, and two canine teeth were recovered from the site. Additionally, two motorcycles used by the suspects were seized.

Investigations revealed that both pangolins and tigers are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Furthermore, the international trade of pangolins is prohibited under Appendix I of CITES. According to the DRI, these operations reflect their ongoing commitment to dismantling networks involved in the illegal possession, transport, and sale of protected species.