Based on specific intelligence that a gang involved in the illegal wildlife trade was attempting to sell 02 Nos of Elephant Tusks (Ivory) which are covered under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 near Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu, an intricate plan was formulated by officers of DRI Chennai to intercept and apprehend the items along with the gang.

Upon reaching the designated spot, the officers identified three persons (sellers) carrying a large bag suspected to be containing the said elephant tusks and were seen behaving in a suspicious manner. Immediately, the officers made a quick interception of them and apprehended the three persons along with the bag containing two elephant tusks.

The two Elephant tusks totally weighing 21.63 Kgs were recovered and seized as per the newly amended Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act.

The seized tusks and the 3 persons who have committed an offense under the WPA were handed over to the Forest Department of Tamil Nadu post-seizure for further necessary action.

It is worth mentioning that DRI officers who are in the forefront in carrying out anti-smuggling and counter-trafficking measures across international borders were empowered by the newly amended Wildlife Protection Act from April 1, 2023 to seize wildlife items that are being illicitly traded inside the country. Since then, the DRI Officers have been active in making seizures of illegally traded wildlife items across the country. It may be recalled that in June 2023 also, Chennai DRI seized 2 elephant tusks weighing 4.03 Kgs and apprehended 7 members of a cartel who were handed over to the Forest Department of Tamil Nadu.

   

 

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