DRI Seizes Protected Wildlife Species Near Pune Railway Station
Significant Wildlife Seizure by DRI
Photo: IANS
Mumbai, May 2: The Pune Regional Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted a successful operation on Thursday, seizing illegal wildlife species near Pune Railway Station and arresting two individuals suspected of engaging in the unlawful possession and trade of protected animals.
Following specific intelligence, DRI officials initiated surveillance in Pune and apprehended one suspect at a predetermined location on May 20. Upon inspection, they discovered three live Malabar giant squirrels hidden within two corrugated cartons.
Further inquiries led to the identification of a second suspect at another site in Pune, where officials seized seven live Indian star tortoises from his possession.
Officials noted that the Malabar giant squirrel is classified under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which prohibits its hunting and trade unless permitted by law.
Likewise, the Indian star tortoise is also protected under Schedule I of the same Act, which provides the species with the highest level of legal protection. The hunting, possession, transportation, and trade of this species are strictly forbidden under the law.
The rescued wildlife, along with the two detained individuals and the materials used for concealment, have been transferred to the Forest Department in Pune for further legal action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The DRI emphasized its commitment to wildlife protection and environmental sustainability through intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling wildlife trafficking networks, poaching syndicates, and other illegal activities related to protected species.
Earlier that day, the DRI revealed it had dismantled a significant e-cigarette (vape) smuggling operation across various ports, airports, and ICDs in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, and West Bengal over the past few days.
Based on specific intelligence, the DRI tracked and intercepted multiple suspicious import consignments that were misdeclared to avoid customs checks, as reported by the Ministry of Finance.
A thorough examination resulted in the seizure of nearly 300,000 electronic cigarettes/vapes of various brands and specifications, valued at over Rs 120 crore. These prohibited e-cigarettes were consistently sourced from China and concealed within items like furniture and metal chair components.