DRI Hyderabad rescues live pangolin in Kadiri, Andhra Pradesh; Four traffickers detained

Hyderabad: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials from the Hyderabad Zonal Unit successfully rescued a live pangolin and apprehended four individuals involved in its illegal trafficking in Kadiri, Andhra Pradesh, on November 12, 2024.

Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials discovered that a syndicate of wildlife traffickers was attempting to sell a live pangolin. A carefully planned operation was launched to dismantle the illegal wildlife trade network.

Posing as potential buyers, the DRI team reached Kadiri, where the traffickers had arranged to deliver the pangolin. After several rounds of negotiation, the traffickers arrived at a remote location on the Kadiri-Pulivendula Road with the pangolin concealed in a jute gunny bag. At the predesignated site, the officers executed their plan, rescuing the live Indian pangolin and apprehending the suspects involved in the illegal trade.

Pangolins, which are highly sought after in international markets, particularly in China and Southeast Asia are primarily poached for their scales, which are used in traditional medicine. Their meat is also considered a delicacy, believed to have medicinal properties. The Indian Pangolin (scientific name Manis Crassicaudata) is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which affords it the highest level of protection. Furthermore, international trade of the species is prohibited under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Following the seizure, the rescued pangolin and the four accused individuals were handed over to the Kadiri Forest Range authorities for further investigation. The suspects were detained under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended.