The Meghalaya Forest Department foiled two attempts to smuggle animal parts in Ri-Bhoi district through intelligence-led operations by the Nongpoh Wildlife Range, Khasi Hills Wildlife Division.
An official source said that acting on inputs from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) about illegal trade along the Nongpoh-Umden Road, the team recently intercepted two persons at Umwang Road.
Four elephant tusks suspected to be of Asiatic Elephant (Elephas maximus) were recovered.
The accused, identified as Tras Khymdeit and Wilshon Khymdeit, both residents of Ri-Bhoi, were arrested. A case has been registered at Nongpoh Wildlife Range under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Investigation is ongoing.
Similarly, another operation at Shakhoikuna Village led to the interception of three suspects. Two polythene bags containing suspected pangolin scales were seized.
Benedick Khymdeit of Ri-Bhoi and Rupai Ingti of Kamrup, Assam were apprehended, while another suspect escaped. A separate case has been registered under the the Wild Life (Protection) Act.
Officials said elephants and pangolins are among India’s most protected species, and illegal wildlife trade poses a major threat to the biodiversity.
Elephant tusks, pangolin scales seized in Meghalaya, four held
