DRI foils wildlife trafficking bid in Assam; recovers two elephant tusks weighing 3.7 kg amid dangerous pursuit by armed suspects

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence issued an enforcement report detailing the seizure of elephant tusks during a wildlife trafficking operation near Guwahati, Assam. This action applies to law enforcement agencies, state forest departments, and individuals involved in illegal wildlife trade under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Officers intercepted five suspects on two-wheelers near Sonapur Toll Gate on 5 Nov 2026. The suspects fled into a nearby village after brandishing a Khukri and a Dao at the pursuing officers, leaving behind a bag containing two elephant tusks measuring 29 and 30 inches and weighing 3.7 kg. The recovered items were seized under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and handed over to the Assam State Forest Department for investigation. Elephant tusks fall under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, making commercial trade in such articles strictly prohibited under Indian law. In practice, this means citizens and wildlife enforcement authorities must report and penalise any commercial dealings in protected animal parts. Readers can review the legal provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to understand the strict prohibitions regarding protected wildlife species in India.