Nails to teeth: DRI, Hyderabad busts wildlife trade ring, seizes tiger body parts in Nampally

Hyderabad: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Hyderabad Zonal Unit, busted an illegal wildlife trade operation on Monday and seized tiger body parts meant for sale in the grey market, Nampally.

Swift operation based on Intelligence

Officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence received credible information that certain individuals were attempting to sell tiger nails and canine teeth illegally. Based on the input, a targeted operation was planned and executed on February 9.

Traffickers intercepted

During the operation, two suspected traffickers were identified and intercepted in a swift and coordinated action. Upon questioning, one of the suspects produced a transparent zip-lock pouch concealed inside a backpack.

Seizure of Tiger parts

On examination, the pouch was found to contain seven tiger nails and three tiger canine teeth. Preliminary assessment indicated that the seized wildlife articles belonged to a tiger, a species protected under Indian law.

Legal provisions invoked

The tiger is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of protection. Possession or trade of any tiger parts is a cognisable and punishable offence under the Act.

Handover to forest officials

The seized wildlife articles, along with the packing material, backpack used for concealment, and mobile phones of the accused, were formally seized under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.

The two traffickers and all recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Telangana State Forest Department for further investigation and legal action.

Investigation underway

Forest officials have initiated a detailed probe to trace the source of the wildlife articles and identify any larger network involved in the illegal trade of protected animal parts.