Shillong, Aug 4: The Meghalaya Forest Department has dealt a major blow to suspected wildlife trafficking networks, seizing four elephant tusks and suspected pangolin scales in two intelligence-led operations in Ri Bhoi district and arresting four people.
The operations, carried out by the Nongpoh Wildlife Range under the Khasi Hills Wildlife Division, were based on intelligence inputs and targeted suspected illegal wildlife trade routes in the district.
In the first operation on July 18, forest officials, acting on information shared by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), intercepted two suspects along the Nongpoh-Umden Road near Umwang. A search led to the recovery of four elephant tusks, believed to be from the endangered Asian elephant (Elephas maximus).
The two accused, identified as Tras Khymdeit and Wilshon Khymdeit, both from Ri Bhoi district, were arrested and booked under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
In a second intelligence-based operation on August 2 at Shakhoikuna village, forest officials intercepted three suspected wildlife traffickers and recovered two bags containing suspected pangolin scales.
Two suspects—Benedick Khymdeit of Ri Bhoi and Rupai Ingti of Assam’s Kamrup district—were arrested, while another suspect escaped and is being traced.
Separate cases have been registered, and investigations are underway to determine the source of the seized wildlife articles and identify others linked to the alleged trafficking network.
The seizures come amid growing concerns over the illegal trade in wildlife parts across the Northeast, a region that has often been used as a transit route for trafficking of protected species.
Both Asian elephants and pangolins enjoy the highest level of legal protection under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and their illegal trade is considered one of the biggest threats to India’s biodiversity.
The Meghalaya Forest Department said it would continue intelligence-led enforcement operations against wildlife crime and urged members of the public to report any information related to illegal hunting, possession, transportation or trade in wildlife and wildlife products.
