DRI Disrupts Leopard Skin Trafficking Syndicate in Maharashtra
Significant Operation Against Wildlife Trafficking
Photo: IANS
Mumbai, October 1: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has made strides in its fight against wildlife trafficking by dismantling a network involved in the illegal trade of leopard skins in Maharashtra.
This operation was executed by the DRI's Nagpur Regional Unit (NaRU) on September 29, near Purada village in Gondia district.
During this operation, authorities apprehended two individuals linked to the illegal trade, seizing a leopard skin from their possession.
The leopard (Panthera pardus) is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which prohibits any trade involving these animals and their parts.
The seized leopard skin was confiscated in accordance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
After completing the necessary seizure procedures, the arrested individuals and the leopard skin were transferred to the Forest Range Officer of North Deoria Range, Gondia, for further action as per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
This operation is part of a broader effort by DRI NaRU to dismantle various wildlife trafficking networks across the nation, including those dealing with leopard skins (Ujjain), tiger bones (Seoni), pangolin scales (Pileru and Jagdalpur), and elephant ivory (Mysuru).
In a separate incident in Karnataka, DRI officials intercepted an individual near Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, discovering 180 live Indian Star Tortoises hidden in six cloth bags.
"The distinctive star-like pattern on the shell of the Indian Star Tortoise makes it highly sought after in the exotic pet and wildlife collector markets, leading to illegal capture and international trafficking. The 180 tortoises were seized under the Act, and the suspect was arrested," stated an official report.
These ongoing enforcement efforts highlight the DRI's dedication to wildlife conservation and its relentless pursuit of organized environmental crime, as noted in their statement.
By collaborating closely with state Forest departments and other enforcement bodies, the DRI is effectively dismantling both national and international trafficking networks through targeted, intelligence-led operations under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.