DRI seizes 17kg elephant tusks, ivory in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officers in Hyderabad seized four elephant tusks weighing about 17kg and apprehended three people during an alleged illegal sale, officials said.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers laid a trap and intercepted the three people during the alleged sale. The operation involved elephant tusks and intricately carved ivory articles.
The officers recovered the four tusks and ivory articles, described as trophies. They seized the items under the relevant provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
The law prohibits the trade and dealing in elephant ivory and products made from it. Elephants also receive the highest level of protection under Schedule I of the Act.
DRI has been carrying out intelligence-based operations against illegal wildlife trade. These operations target wildlife trafficking and the illegal trade in trophies and products from protected species.
The agency said the latest operation supports wildlife conservation efforts and aims to curb organised wildlife trafficking.
