An illegal wildlife trafficking syndicate engaged in the illicit trade of Indian Pangolin scales in Chhattisgarh’s Jagdalpur was successfully dismantled by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Nagpur Regional Unit (DRI, NaRU) of Mumbai Zonal Unit. Three individuals were apprehended during the operation for their involvement in the illegal dealing and trading of Indian Pangolin scales, with a total of 16.528 kg of the scales recovered from their possession by DRI officials.
The Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is categorized under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, providing it with the highest level of legal protection. Trade in pangolins and their derivatives is strictly prohibited under this Act, as highlighted by the officials. The seized pangolin scales, weighing 16.528 kg, have been confiscated in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Upon the completion of seizure formalities, the arrested individuals, along with the seized pangolin scales, were handed over to the Forest Range Officer of Jagdalpur Range for further necessary action under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Pangolins are targeted for their meat and scales, which are falsely believed to have medicinal properties in certain traditional medicine markets and luxury fashion circles.
The officials emphasized that persistent international demand has driven organized poaching and trafficking syndicates, resulting in pangolins becoming the most trafficked mammals globally. The DRI NaRU has successfully dismantled various illicit wildlife trafficking networks since 2025, including syndicates involved in trafficking leopard skins and pangolin scales in different regions. These enforcement actions highlight DRI’s commitment to wildlife protection and its efforts to combat organized environmental crime.
Through close collaboration with State Forest departments and other enforcement agencies, DRI continues to disrupt national and international trafficking networks through intelligence-driven operations under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
