Red Sand Boa Smuggling Foiled in Telangana

Authorities in Telangana intercepted an individual attempting to sell two protected red sand boas. Conducted by the DRI Hyderabad Zonal Unit, the operation led to the arrest and seizure of the snakes, highlighting the ongoing illegal wildlife trade. The suspect and evidence were handed over for legal proceedings.

In a significant crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Telangana's Warangal district apprehended an individual attempting to sell two live red sand boas, officials announced on Monday.

The operation, led by the DRI Hyderabad Zonal Unit, was launched based on specific intelligence that a person was active in the illicit trade of live snakes. An undercover decoy operation was set in motion on May 17 to capture the suspect red-handed.

The suspect was apprehended with a bag containing the endangered Indian red sand boas (Eryx johnii), which are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. After their capture, both the snakes and the suspect were turned over to the Forest Range Officer in Warangal for further legal action.