DRI seizes 6.53 kg Pangolin scales in Hanamkonda, 4 held

DRI officials in Hanamkonda caught four people with 6.53 kg of Indian Pangolin scales, from about five animals. The Indian Pangolin is a protected species. The suspects were handed over to forest officials for further investigation under wildlife laws

Hyderabad: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence caught four persons who were allegedly involved in illegal trading of Pangolin scales in Hanamkonda and seized 6.53 kg of Indian Pangolin scales from them.

Acting on specific intelligence, the officers of DRI, Hyderabad Zonal Unit (HZU) mounted surveillance at Hanamkonda, and, in a day-long operation on Saturday, apprehended four persons. A total of 6.53 kg of scales of Indian Pangolin were recovered from their possession.

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Pangolins are poached mainly for international markets in China and Southeast Asia for their scales, which are used as an ingredient in traditional medicines. Indian Pangolin (Scientific Name: Manis crassicaudata) is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which strictly prohibits the trade of such animals and their articles. Their International Trade is prohibited under Appendix I of CITES, said an official of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.

These 6.53 kg of scales are estimated to have originated from approximately five Indian Pangolins. After the seizure procedures, the said four persons, along with the seized wildlife articles, were handed over to the Forest Range Officer, Hanamkonda, for further investigation under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.