DRI seizes four elephant tusks, ivory articles; three held

Four elephant tusks weighing about 17 kg, including intricately carved ivory articles, were seized by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Hyderabad, while an alleged sale deal was underway, officials said.

Three persons allegedly involved in the illegal sale were apprehended during the operation in Banjara Hills.

Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers laid a trap and intercepted the three when a transaction involving the elephant tusks and ivory articles was allegedly taking place.

The four articles, which included carved ivory trophies, were subsequently seized under provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Trade or dealing in elephant ivory and articles made from it is prohibited under the Act, the agency said.

The DRI said it has been carrying out intelligence-based operations against illegal trafficking and trade in wildlife, wildlife trophies and articles derived from protected species across the country.