Three Arrested in Tamil Nadu for Smuggling 22 kg Ivory

In a significant operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended three individuals in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district for smuggling elephant tusks weighing a total of 21.63 kilograms.

The DRI, acting on a tip about an illegal wildlife trade gang attempting to sell these items, swiftly moved to intercept the suspects near Srivilliputhur. The individuals, found in possession of a large bag, were displaying suspicious behavior, prompting the authorities to investigate further.

Upon inspection, the DRI officials discovered two elephant tusks, classified under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Under the recently amended Section 50 of the Act, the tusks were seized. Following the arrest, the suspects were handed over to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department for further investigation.

This successful operation underscores the DRI’s dedication to combatting smuggling and trafficking activities, particularly concerning wildlife. Notably, the DRI was granted enhanced authority under the newly amended Wildlife Protection Act, effective from April 1, 2023, allowing them to confiscate illicitly traded items within the country.