In a significant crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, the Nagpur unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a syndicate trafficking in Indian pangolin scales. The operation, conducted in Andhra Pradesh's Annamayya district, led to multiple arrests and a major seizure.
Operation Panguard: A Major Blow to Traffickers
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials from the Nagpur Regional Unit launched 'Operation Panguard' near Pileru town. The meticulously planned operation resulted in the apprehension of seven individuals allegedly involved in the illicit trade network. Authorities confiscated a substantial 18.74 kilograms of pangolin scales from the accused.
The Plight of the Indian Pangolin
The Indian pangolin is a critically endangered species granted the highest level of protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Despite this, it remains one of the world's most trafficked mammals. The primary driver of poaching is the persistent demand for its scales in traditional medicine markets, both within India and internationally, pushing the species toward extinction.
Following the bust, the seized contraband and the accused persons were formally handed over to the Forest Range Officer of the Pileru Range for initiating legal proceedings under the relevant wildlife protection laws.
DRI's Sustained War on Wildlife Crime
This successful operation marks the third major breakthrough against wildlife trafficking networks by the DRI Nagpur team since February 2025. Their recent actions include:
- A case involving leopard skins in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
- Another significant bust related to tiger parts in Seoni, Madhya Pradesh.
This series of coordinated strikes underscores the DRI's expanding focus and commitment to tackling organised wildlife trafficking crime, which is often interlinked with other forms of smuggling and transnational illegal trade. The agency's intelligence-led approach is proving crucial in disrupting these lucrative and ecologically devastating networks.
