GUWAHATI: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized two elephant tusks weighing approximately 3.7 kg near Sonapur Toll Gate, around 27 km from Guwahati, on November 5, after five suspects attempted to smuggle them.
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Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted the suspects, who were travelling on two two-wheelers, at around 5:40 PM. One of them was carrying a bag suspected to contain elephant tusks.
The suspects attempted to flee and brandished a Khukri and a Dao at the pursuing officers before abandoning the bag and escaping into a nearby village.
A search of the bag led to the recovery of two tusks measuring 29 inches and 30 inches in length. The seized tusks were subsequently handed over to the Assam State Forest Department for further investigation and necessary action.
The seizure was carried out under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Elephant tusks are protected under Schedule I of the Act and Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibit commercial trade in such protected wildlife specimens.
