DRI Busts Illegal Ivory Trade, Seizes 5.58 Kg of Elephant Ivory in Bihar

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested four individuals for illegal ivory trade in Bihar's Siwan district, confiscating 5.58 kg of ivory. The seized ivory originated from the endangered Asian Elephant. The DRI operation was initiated based on a tip-off and included coordination with local Forest Department authorities.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested four individuals involved in illegal trade of Asiatic Elephant ivory, seizing 5.58 kg of ivory in Bihar's Siwan district, officials revealed.

Following a tip-off, DRI officials engineered an operation targeting a notorious gang on Siwan's outskirts.

''The seizure comprised two pieces of Asiatic Elephant Ivory, weighing 5.58 kg. Despite global and domestic bans, illegal demand continues to drive the black-market value of this precious material,'' stated the DRI (Patna) on Tuesday.

DRI officials detained all four, including the group's ringleader. The Forest Department has been notified and is collaborating closely with DRI on the investigation.

Notably, DRI refrained from disclosing the identities of the accused or the exact date of their arrest.

The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, rigorously outlaws ivory trade, classifying elephants as a protected species under Schedule I. Internationally, CITES also prohibits ivory trade, listing Asian Elephants in its Appendix I since 1989.

(With inputs from agencies.)