The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has stepped up its enforcement against international wildlife smuggling syndicates, making major recoveries of protected animal parts across Meghalaya and Assam. Executed as part of six coordinated intelligence-led operations throughout India, the crackdown successfully disrupted illicit transit routes, intercepted endangered animal products, and led to the arrest of 13 suspects.
Major Interceptions in Meghalaya and Assam
In Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district, enforcement officers targeted a Bolero truck traveling toward Mawhati on September 7. A thorough search of the vehicle revealed 14.68 kg of dried pangolin scales hidden inside three carry bags. The detained individual, along with the seized vehicle and animal parts, was transferred to the Range Forest Officer at Nongpoh for statutory proceedings under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
In a separate action in Assam's Karbi Anglong district on August 28, officers intercepted a vehicle carrying three individuals. Inspection yielded nearly 9 kg of pangolin scales alongside approximately 500 grams of tiger bones, including a skull and teeth. All three suspects and the contraband were handed over to the Forest Range Officer at Bokolia for official custody and prosecution.
Furthermore, an operation on September 5 at Keokhali in Assam resulted in the apprehension of two individuals and the rescue of 12 live Tokay geckos. The custody of both accused individuals and the rescued reptiles was subsequently transferred to the Range Forest Officer of the Biswanath Wildlife Division.
Legal Protection and Demand Drivers
Pangolins and Tokay geckos receive the highest level of statutory protection under Schedule I of India's Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Internationally, CITES lists pangolins under Appendix I and Tokay geckos under Appendix II. The high demand for pangolin scales among cross-border trafficking networks is primarily driven by traditional medicinal practices in certain Asian markets.
Summary of Nationwide Seizures
Across the six intelligence operations, enforcement teams secured two leopard pelts, 180 live Indian star tortoises, 12 live Tokay geckos, roughly 24 kg of pangolin scales, and approximately 500 grams of tiger bones. A total of 13 individuals were taken into custody across all locations. Agency officials emphasized that sustained inter-agency coordination between revenue intelligence and state forest departments remains essential to dismantling wildlife smuggling networks.
