Assam Police Seize Elephant Tusks Worth Rs 6 Lakh, Arrest 2
Police seize elephant tusks worth Rs 6 lakh and arrest two.
Two people were arrested and two elephant ivory tusks weighing a combined 4.06 kg were seized in Assam's Tamulpur district, police said on Saturday. The operation was conducted by the state police's Special Task Force (STF) on Friday night as part of efforts to prevent the illegal trafficking of wildlife and wildlife products. The arrests were made in the Bangalipara area of Tamulpur.
According to the police statement, the seized tusks weighed 2.09 kg and 1.97 kg respectively. Preliminary investigation indicated that the two accused were allegedly attempting to sell the ivory for around Rs 6 lakh. The suspected deal was reportedly being negotiated at a rate of approximately Rs 1.5 lakh per kg.
The STF carried out the operation after receiving information about the alleged attempt to sell the elephant tusks. The seizure prevented the ivory from being moved further through the illegal wildlife trade network. Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the possession of the tusks and the intended transaction.
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Following the arrests, the STF handed over the two accused along with the seized ivory to the Forest Department. An FIR was lodged to initiate the required legal proceedings and facilitate further investigation. The authorities are now expected to examine the source of the tusks and determine how they came into the possession of the arrested persons.
The Forest Department and police are also investigating whether the case is connected to a larger wildlife trafficking network. Officials are particularly looking into possible links extending beyond Assam, including inter-state and wider networks involved in the illegal trade of wildlife, animal parts and related products.
The seizure comes amid continuing efforts by law enforcement and forest authorities to curb illegal wildlife trafficking. Elephant ivory remains a prohibited wildlife product, and its illegal trade poses a serious threat to elephant populations. The investigation in the Tamulpur case will focus not only on the two arrested individuals but also on identifying others who may be involved in the alleged trafficking network.
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