DRI busts several wildlife trafficking networks across India operations

Prelims-testable facts

• 01DRI has seized 440 endangered/protected wild life animals and about 15 kg in ivory articles during coordinated operations across the country.
• 02The Indian elephant (Elephas maximus) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which prohibits trade in elephants and their derivatives.
• 03Commercial trade in ivory is prohibited in India in line with its obligations under CITES, and the import and export of ivory are prohibited under the Foreign Trade Policy.
• 04The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested 33 persons involved in wildlife trafficking during pan-India operations.
• 05In a joint operation, DRI and CBI busted an interstate wildlife trafficking syndicate at multiple locations across Maharashtra and West Bengal on July 7-8, 2026.
• 06During the operation, several wildlife species listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, were recovered and rescued, including 15 Slow Lorises and 28 Star Tortoises.
• 07The intelligence in the case was developed by DRI and the matter is now being investigated by CBI.
• 08DRI has successfully foiled multiple attempts to smuggle protected wildlife into India through international airports by passengers arriving from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Colombo.

Trap alerts

• Most people think that only elephants are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, but actually many other species including Slow Lorises, Binturongs, and Egyptian Vultures are also listed under Schedule I.
• Most people think that ivory trade is allowed in India, but actually commercial trade in ivory is prohibited in line with its obligations under CITES and the import and export of ivory are prohibited under the Foreign Trade Policy.