**Executive Summary**
On June 24 and 25, 2026, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Nagpur Regional Unit, dismantled an illegal wildlife trafficking syndicate in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. The operation resulted in the rescue of several protected species, including Malabar Giant Squirrels and Indian Star Tortoises, and the apprehension of a suspect. Following the seizure, the animals and the individual were transferred to the Forest Department for further legal proceedings under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Operation Details**
* The crackdown was conducted by the DRI Nagpur Regional Unit (NaRU) of the Mumbai Zonal Unit.
* Officers intercepted a suspect in Srikakulam city and conducted a follow-up investigation in the remote Rayakurdi village.
* The team successfully executed the operation despite challenging terrain, lack of electricity, and no mobile network connectivity.
**Species Rescued and Legal Status**
* Rescued wildlife includes four Malabar Giant Squirrels, one Indian Star Tortoise, fourteen Jungle Fowl, and two Small Indian Civet babies.
* The Malabar Giant Squirrel, Small Indian Civet, and Indian Star Tortoise are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
* Schedule I status grants these species the highest degree of protection, strictly prohibiting their hunting, possession, transport, and trade.
**Enforcement and Conservation Context**
* All recovered animals were seized under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
* The DRI noted that these species are frequent targets for the exotic pet trade and wildlife collectors, posing a grave threat to biodiversity.
* The operation highlights the DRI’s commitment to intelligence-driven action and coordination with other enforcement agencies.
**Impact Analysis**
**Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)**
**Impact**
The unit successfully disrupted a trafficking ring, demonstrating its vigilance and commitment to combating wildlife crime through coordinated enforcement.
**Action Required**
Continue monitoring trafficking networks and maintain inter-agency coordination with State Forest Departments.
**Forest Department, Srikakulam**
**Impact**
The department has taken custody of the rescued wildlife and the apprehended suspect for formal processing.
**Action Required**
Initiate further necessary legal actions and ensure the welfare or release of the rescued animals under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
**General Public**
**Impact**
Public cooperation is identified as a vital component in protecting India's biodiversity and stopping illegal trade.
**Action Required**
Remain vigilant and share specific information regarding illegal wildlife trafficking with law enforcement agencies.
Key Entities Referenced
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: The primary legal framework under which the trafficking syndicate was busted and species were seized and protected.
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI): The lead enforcement agency under the Ministry of Finance that conducted the intelligence-driven operation to bust the trafficking ring.
Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: The specific legal classification granting the highest degree of protection to the seized species, including the Malabar Giant Squirrel and Indian Star Tortoise.
Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh: The central geographic location where the illegal wildlife trafficking operation was intercepted and the animals were rescued.
Ministry of Finance
DRI, Nagpur Regional Unit Busts Illegal Wildlife
Trafficking Ring
प्रव तथ: 26 JUN 2026 10:41AM by PIB Mumbai
: Mumbai, June 26, 2026
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Nagpur Regional Unit (DRI, NaRU) of
Mumbai Zonal Unit successfully busted an illegal wildlife trafficking syndicate
involved in the illicit trade of Malabar Giant Squirrels (Ratufa indica), Indian Star
Tortoise (Geochelone elegans), Jungle Fowl and Small Indian Civet (Viverricula
indica) in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh on 24.06.2026 and 25.06.2026.During the operation, the DRI officers intercepted a suspect in Srikakulam city and
rescued four Malabar Giant Squirrels, one Indian Star Tortoise, and fourteen Jungle
Fowl, all found confined in cages. Subsequent follow-up investigations led the DRI
team to a remote location in Rayakurdi village, situated approximately 60
kilometres from Srikakulam. Despite challenging terrain, absence of electricity, and
lack of mobile network connectivity, the officers continued the operation late into
the night and successfully rescued two Small Indian Civet babies from the location.
The Malabar giant squirrel, Small Indian Civet and Indian star tortoises are listed
under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, according them the highest
degree of protection, by prohibiting their hunting, possession, transport and trade.
Accordingly, the recovered animals were seized under the provisions of the Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972.
Upon completion of seizure formalities, the apprehended person along with the
rescued animals were handed over to the Forest Department, Srikakulam for further
necessary action under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The rescued wildlife species are frequently targeted by illegal traffickers due to
demand in the exotic pet trade and among wildlife collectors. Such illegal trade
poses a serious threat to biodiversity and the survival of these protected species in
their natural habitats.DRI’s sustained enforcement actions highlights DRI's continued vigilance and
commitment to wildlife protection through intelligence-driven action against illegal
wildlife trafficking networks in coordination with State Forest Departments and other
enforcement agencies.
DRI appeals to the public to remain vigilant and share any specific information
regarding illegal wildlife trade or trafficking with law enforcement agencies. Public
cooperation is vital in protecting India's wildlife and combating wildlife crime.
***
SC/PK
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