DRI seizes four elephant tusks, apprehends three in Hyderabad

DRI officials seized four elephant tusks weighing around 17 kg and apprehended three persons in Banjara Hills over an alleged illegal ivory transaction. The suspects were allegedly attempting to sell the ivory, while officials investigate its source and possible trafficking links.

Hyderabad: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials have seized four elephant tusks weighing around 17 kg and apprehended three persons in Banjara Hills in connection with an alleged illegal ivory transaction.

Acting on specific intelligence, the DRI team reportedly set up an interception and caught the suspects while they were allegedly attempting to sell the wildlife contraband. During the operation, officials recovered the tusks along with intricately carved ivory articles.

---

The seized material was seized under provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which prohibits the trade and commercial dealing of elephant ivory and articles made from it.

The three apprehended persons are being questioned as officials work to establish the source of the tusks and determine whether the seizure is linked to a wider wildlife-trafficking network.

The latest seizure comes amid continued enforcement against the illegal ivory trade, with authorities focusing on networks involved in the movement and sale of wildlife trophies and products derived from protected species.