Two elephant tusks recovered.DRI foiled wildlife trafficking

DALIM PHUKAN, Hills Live News,Morigaon.November 12.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has foiled a suspected wildlife trafficking operation near Sonapur Toll Gate, on the outskirts of Guwahati, by recovering two elephant tusks weighing approximately 3.7 kg.

Acting on specific intelligence regarding the movement of elephant tusks, DRI officials intercepted an attempted wildlife trafficking operation near Sonapur Toll Gate on November 5.

At around 5:40 PM, DRI officers spotted five suspects on two 2-wheelers, one carrying a bag suspected to contain elephant tusks. On being intercepted, the suspects attempted to flee, brandishing a Khukri and a Dao at the pursuing officers, before abandoning the bag and escaping into a nearby village.

Upon examining the abandoned bag, officials recovered two elephant tusks measuring 29 inches and 30 inches in length, with a combined weight of approximately 3.7 kg.

The recovered tusks were seized under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and subsequently handed over to the Assam State Forest Department for further investigation and necessary action.

Elephant tusks are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna andY Flora (CITES). Trade in and commercial dealings in articles derived from such protected species are prohibited under Indian law.