DRI seizes 86 live Tokay Geckos in Assam in a crackdown on wildlife trafficking; two arrested

Ministry of Finance DRI seizes 86 live Tokay Geckos in Assam in a crackdown on wildlife trafficking; two arrested

Posted On: 23 SEP 2026 8:13PM by PIB Delhi Acting on specific intelligence regarding an illegal wildlife trade deal, officers of DRI, intercepted two persons at Bandar Chalia Gaon Ground, Mariani, Assam, on 22.09.2026.

During the operation, 86 live Tokay Geckos, an endangered wildlife species, were recovered from their possession and seized under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The Tokay Gecko is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and under Appendix-II of CITES, regulating its international trade. The two apprehended persons, along with the recovered live geckos, were subsequently handed over to the, Mariani Range Forest office, Assam, for further action under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The operation highlights DRI’s continued efforts to detect and disrupt illegal trafficking of wildlife species, including those targeted for their perceived medicinal properties and demand as exotic pets in illicit markets.

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