DRI Operation in Bengaluru Thwarts Illicit Elephant Tusk Trade Syndicate

Bengaluru:  Officers from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully dismantled a syndicate engaged in the illegal trade of elephant tusks on the outskirts of Bengaluru, Karnataka. The operation, executed with precision, resulted in the interception of three suspects on March 5th and 6th, 2024, in an auto-rickshaw, leading to the confiscation of elephant tusks classified under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The recovered ivory tusks, weighing a total of 6.8 kg, were concealed in a large bag in the possession of the suspects. Swift action by the DRI officers further led to the apprehension of four additional accomplices directly involved in facilitating the illicit trade. All seven individuals are now under arrest and will face legal proceedings in accordance with the law.

The operation was conducted in compliance with Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, reflecting the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat the illegal wildlife trade. The recent amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, effective from April 1, 2023, have empowered DRI officers with enhanced authority to crack down on domestic wildlife trafficking.

With a focus on leveraging these new provisions, DRI officers have been proactively engaged in operations to intercept and curb the illicit trade of wildlife items. In the fiscal year 2023-2024 alone, DRI units across India have conducted six successful seizures of elephant tusks, collectively weighing 57.5 kilograms. These operations took place in key cities such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, highlighting the DRI’s unwavering commitment to combating wildlife trafficking on a national scale.

The successful operations underscore the critical role played by the DRI in safeguarding the nation’s biodiversity and upholding the principles of wildlife conservation. The arrests and seizures serve as a stern warning to those engaged in illegal wildlife activities, signaling that law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring and taking decisive action to protect endangered species and preserve India’s rich ecological heritage.