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The seized items fall under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which grants the highest level of protection to species such as leopards
The seized items.
In a significant blow to wildlife traffickers, the Nagpur unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), under the Mumbai Zonal Unit, seized two leopard skins (with heads) and one ivory (wild boar horn) during a well-coordinated operation in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on May 4.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials intercepted two individuals at a hotel in Ujjain city, where the suspects were attempting to strike a deal involving banned wildlife articles. The early morning raid led to the recovery of the leopard skins and ivory, all of which are protected under Indian wildlife laws.
The seized items fall under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which grants the highest level of protection to species such as leopards. As per the Act, any form of trade, sale, purchase, or possession of leopard parts is strictly prohibited and is considered a serious criminal offence.
Following the seizure, both the accused and the confiscated wildlife materials were handed over to the District Forest Division, Ujjain, for further legal action. Forest officials have now launched a detailed probe to trace the supply chain and possible poaching networks behind the crime.
This isn’t the first time DRI Nagpur has cracked down on illegal wildlife trade. Earlier this year, in January 2025, the same unit seized a leopard skin in Akola district, Maharashtra, and apprehended three individuals.
These consistent actions underline DRI’s proactive approach in curbing wildlife crime. With an intelligence-led strategy, the agency has been instrumental in identifying and intercepting illegal wildlife traders, not just within the country but also across potential cross-border routes. Illegal wildlife trafficking continues to pose a grave threat to India’s biodiversity.
As enforcement agencies step up their vigilance, operations like these serve as a strong message to traffickers and reinforce India’s commitment to protecting its rich and endangered fauna.
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