Bengaluru: In a significant operation, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officers in Bengaluru have arrested seven individuals on the outskirts of the city, successfully dismantling a syndicate engaged in illicit elephant tusk trade. The breakthrough occurred when three suspects were intercepted in an autorickshaw on Wednesday, leading to the discovery of ivory tusks concealed in a large bag. Swift action resulted in the apprehension of four additional accomplices involved in facilitating the illegal trade, as reported by the Ministry of Finance.
The recovered elephant tusks, totaling 6.8 kg, were seized under Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972. The arrests of all seven individuals were made in accordance with the statement released by the Ministry of Finance.
The statement highlighted the recent amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, effective from April 1, 2023, granting DRI officers enhanced powers to combat the domestic illegal wildlife trade. Leveraging these new provisions, DRI officers are actively involved in operations to intercept and curb the illicit trade of wildlife items.
In the fiscal year 2023-2024, DRI units across India have conducted six successful seizures of elephant tusks, collectively weighing 57.5 kilograms. These operations took place in various cities, including Chennai, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, underscoring the DRI’s resolute commitment to combating wildlife trafficking. The arrests in Bengaluru mark a crucial step in dismantling such illegal networks and upholding wildlife protection laws.
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