**Executive Summary**
On May 26, 2026, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Nagpur Regional Unit, dismantled an illegal wildlife trafficking syndicate in Mysuru, Karnataka. The operation resulted in the apprehension of three individuals and the seizure of 4.058 kg of Indian elephant tusks. Following the seizure, the suspects and the ivory were handed over to the Mysuru Forest Range Officer for legal proceedings under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Operation Details**
* **Enforcement Agency:** Conducted by the DRI, Nagpur Regional Unit (NaRU), of the Mumbai Zonal Unit.
* **Target:** An illegal wildlife trafficking syndicate specializing in Indian elephant ivory.
* **Location and Date:** The bust occurred in Mysuru, Karnataka, on May 26, 2026.
**Seizures and Apprehensions**
* **Suspects:** Three individuals were apprehended for their involvement in the illegal trade.
* **Contraband:** A total of 4.058 kg of Indian elephant tusks were recovered and seized.
**Legal and Regulatory Framework**
* **Classification:** The Indian elephant (*Elephas maximus*) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
* **Prohibitions:** Trade in Schedule I animals and their derivatives is strictly prohibited.
* **Procedural Action:** The case and recovered materials were processed under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
**Market Context**
* **Demand Drivers:** Asian ivory is highly prized in global markets as a status symbol due to its softness, which allows for intricate carving.
* **Trade Status:** Illicit demand remains high despite global bans on the international trade of Asian elephant ivory.
**Impact Analysis**
**Apprehended Individuals**
**Impact**
The individuals were detained for illegal trading and their contraband was confiscated.
**Action Required**
They are now subject to legal action and investigation under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
**Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)**
**Impact**
The agency successfully disrupted a trafficking network, reinforcing its role in combating organized environmental crime and protecting wildlife.
**Action Required**
Completed seizure formalities and transferred the suspects and evidence to the local Forest Department.
**Forest Range Officer, Mysuru Territorial Range**
**Impact**
The department has taken custody of the three suspects and the 4.058 kg of seized ivory.
**Action Required**
Initiate and oversee further necessary legal actions and prosecutions as mandated by the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI): The primary enforcement agency responsible for dismantling the illegal ivory trafficking syndicate in Mysuru.
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: The principal legislation under which the Indian elephant is protected and its tusks were seized due to illegal trade prohibitions.
Ministry of Finance: The central ministry overseeing the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
Mysuru, Karnataka: The primary geographic location where the illegal wildlife trafficking operation was intercepted and the syndicate dismantled.
Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: The specific legal classification that grants the Indian elephant the highest level of protection and prohibits trade in its derivatives.
Ministry of Finance
DRI, Nagpur Regional Unit Busts Illegal Ivory
Trafficking Ring
Posted On: 27 MAY 2026 7:54PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai: 27 May 2026
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Nagpur Regional Unit (DRI, NaRU), of the
Mumbai Zonal Unit, successfully dismantled an illegal wildlife trafficking syndicate
involved in the illicit trade of Indian elephant tusks (Ivory) in Mysuru, Karnataka, on
26.05.2026.During the operation, three persons were apprehended for their involvement in
the illegal dealing and trading of Indian elephant tusks. A total of 4.058 kg of
Indian elephant tusks was recovered from their possession.
The Indian elephant (Elephas maximus) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972, which prohibits trade in such animals and their derivatives.
Accordingly, the recovered 4.058 kg of Indian elephant tusks was seized under the
provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
After completion of the seizure formalities, the three apprehended persons, along
with the seized elephant tusks, were handed over to the Forest Range Officer,
Mysuru territorial Range, for further necessary action under the relevant provisions
of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Asian ivory is often preferred by carvers for its softness, which makes it easier to
work with for intricate designs and artefacts. Intricately carved Asian ivory is highly
prized as a status symbol in certain global markets. Despite global bans on the
international trade of Asian elephant ivory, illicit demand remains high.
DRI has dismantled multiple such illicit wildlife trafficking networks, and these
sustained enforcement actions underscore DRI’s continued vigilance, commitment to
wildlife protection and unwavering resolve in combating organised environmental
crime.
PIB Mumbai | Sriyanka Chatterjee/ Priti Malandkar
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