The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully dismantled a clandestine wildlife trafficking operation in Jagdalpur city, Chhattisgarh, concerning the illegal trade of Indian pangolin scales. This operation took place on April 12, 2026, leading to the arrest of three individuals allegedly involved in these activities. The authorities seized a total of 16.528 kg of pangolin scales during the operation.

The Indian pangolin, scientifically known as Manis crassicaudata, is classified under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides it with the highest legal protection against poaching and illegal trade. The Act explicitly prohibits the trade of pangolins and their derivatives. Consequently, the seized scales were confiscated in compliance with the relevant provisions.

After the seizure was formalised, the DRI transferred custody of the arrested individuals, along with the confiscated scales, to the Forest Range Officer of the Jagdalpur Range for further legal proceedings under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Pangolin Poaching and Trafficking Concerns

Pangolins are increasingly targeted by poachers due to the perceived commercial value of their meat and scales, which are falsely believed to possess medicinal properties in certain traditional medicine circles, as well as being sought after in luxury fashion markets. The continuing international demand for these products propels organised syndicates involved in poaching and trafficking, ranking pangolins among the most trafficked mammals globally.

The recent operation represents a part of a broader strategy employed by the DRI Nagpur Regional Unit (NaRU) to combat wildlife trafficking. Since 2025, the agency has effectively dismantled numerous illicit networks, revealing a comprehensive approach towards wildlife protection and enforcement. Notable operations included the disruption of a syndicate in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, involved in the illegal trade of leopard skins, and another in Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, connected to the poaching of a tiger cub.

Additionally, the DRI has addressed operations in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, targeting leopard skin trafficking, along with a network in Pileru, Andhra Pradesh, implicated in pangolin scale trafficking. These actions illustrate the DRI’s ongoing commitment to addressing wildlife crimes and dismantling trafficking networks across regions.

Collaboration and Enforcement Efforts

The DRI has acknowledged the importance of collaboration with state forest departments and other enforcement bodies in its ongoing efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. This multi-agency approach promotes intelligence-driven operations, which are crucial in targeting both national and international syndicates involved in illegal wildlife trade.

These coordinated efforts aim not only to capture traffickers but also to raise awareness about the pressing issue of wildlife conservation. The agency emphasises that significant enforcement actions, such as the recent operation in Jagdalpur, reflect a robust strategy in safeguarding endangered species like the Indian pangolin.

This operation reiterates the need for continued vigilance and commitment towards wildlife protection. By dismantling these networks methodically, the DRI seeks to deter future illegal activities and promote the conservation of India’s rich biodiversity.

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