Authorities from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intervened to thwart an illicit trade involving elephant tusks, leading to the apprehension of seven individuals on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
On March 5, enforcement officers intercepted three suspects traveling in an auto-rickshaw and discovered a sizable bag containing elephant tusks in their possession. Subsequent investigation efforts resulted in the apprehension of four additional individuals implicated in facilitating the unlawful trade.
Under Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972, the seized elephant tusks, weighing a total of 6.8 kilograms, were confiscated, and all seven suspects were taken into custody.
Officials highlighted that recent amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, implemented as of April 1, 2023, have empowered the DRI with expanded authority to combat domestic wildlife trafficking.
"In the fiscal year 2023-2024 alone, DRI units nationwide conducted six successful operations targeting elephant tusks, totaling 57.5 kilograms in seized contraband. These operations, spanning locations such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, underscore DRI's steadfast dedication to combating wildlife crime," the statement emphasized.
