DRI seizes two leopard pelts; 180 live Indian star tortoises; 12 live tokay geckos; around 24 kg pangolin scales and 500 grams tiger bones
Continuing its intelligence-led crackdown on the illegal trafficking of protected wildlife and wildlife derivatives, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted six significant operations at different locations across the country in last 10 days, resulting in the seizure of a two leopard pelts, 180 live Indian Star Tortoises, 12 live Tokay Geckos, around 24 kg Pangolin Scales and 500 grams Tiger bones. Thirteen persons were arrested across these six operations.
In an intelligence led operation on September 7 2026, officers of DRI, in Jeypore, Koraput district, Odisha, intercepted a person and recovered one leopard pelt from his possession. The leopard pelt and the apprehended person were handed over to the State Forest Department, Koraput, for further investigation and legal action under the Act.
In another operation on the same day, officers of DRI intercepted a person near Gandhinagar, Bengaluru and examination of his baggage resulted in the recovery of 180 live Indian Star Tortoises concealed in six cloth covers. The striking star-like pattern on the shell of the Indian Star Tortoise has made it particularly attractive in the exotic pet and wildlife-collector markets, driving illegal capture and international trafficking. The 180 live tortoises were seized under the Act and the accused was arrested.
In the third operation on September 7, officers of DRI, intercepted a Bolero truck in Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya, while it was proceeding towards Mawhati. Thorough checking of the vehicle led to the recovery of 14.68 kg dried Pangolin scales, packed in three carry bags. Pangolins are among the most heavily trafficked mammals in the world, with their scales primarily sought for use in traditional medicine in parts of Asia.
Earlier, on September 5, DRI officers, in in an operation targeting an illegal leopard skin trade network, coordinated with the Forest Department, Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh and intercepted four persons in Sidhi district. One leopard skin was recovered from two persons travelling in a Mahindra Thar. Follow-up investigations and searches led to the identification and interception of two more members of the syndicate. The leopard skin and vehicle were seized and the persons were handed over to the Forest Department, Sidhi, for further action.
On September 5 2026, DRI officers, acting on specific intelligence regarding an illegal wildlife trade, intercepted two persons, in Keokhali, Assam and recovered 12 live Tokay Geckos from their possession. Tokay Geckos are trafficked mainly for their use in traditional medicine in parts of Asia, particularly in dried form, but also has some demand as an exotic pet.
Earlier, on 28.08.2026, DRI officers in Karbi Anglong district, intercepted three persons travelling in a vehicle, and the operation resulted in the recovery of around 9 kg Pangolin scales and approximately 0.5 kg of Tiger bone set with skull and teeth.
The diverse recoveries — from live endangered wildlife to animal skins, pangolin scales and tiger parts — also demonstrate the varied forms in which wildlife is trafficked and the need for sustained inter-agency coordination.