DRI Crackdown on Wildlife Smuggling in Assam: 86 Live Tokay Geckos Seized, Two Arrested
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 86 live Tokay geckos and arrested two individuals during an operation against illegal wildlife trade in Mariani, Assam.
Officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recovered 86 live Tokay geckos from the Bandar Chaliya village ground in Mariani, Assam, while conducting a special operation against wildlife smuggling. The action was taken on September 22, 2026, based on intelligence gathered regarding illegal wildlife trade, resulting in the arrest of two individuals.
The seized Tokay geckos are an endangered species listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as well as Appendix-II of CITES, which regulates their international trade. Authorities have confiscated the creatures under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Both accused persons and the recovered wildlife have been handed over to the Mariani Range Forest Office in Assam for further legal proceedings. According to the DRI, this operation is part of their ongoing efforts to curb the illegal trafficking of wildlife species, with a particular focus on species that are in high demand in illegal markets due to alleged medicinal properties or as exotic pets.
