Hyderabad: Officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Hyderabad, seized four elephant tusks weighing about 17 kg, including intricately carved ivory articles described as trophies, and apprehended three persons allegedly involved in their illegal sale. The seizure was made under the relevant provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers laid a trap and intercepted the three persons while a sale transaction involving the elephant tusks and ivory articles was in progress. The officers recovered all four articles at the spot.
Ivory trade banned under wildlife law
Trade in elephant ivory, and any dealing in articles made from it, is prohibited under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The accused were allegedly attempting to sell the tusks and carved articles when they were caught.
DRI has been conducting intelligence-based operations across the country against the illegal trafficking and trade of wildlife, wildlife trophies and articles derived from protected species. According to the agency, the latest operation reflects its continued commitment to supporting wildlife conservation and curbing organised wildlife trafficking.