DRI foils ivory smuggling attempt in Assam, seizes two tusks

Officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) foiled an attempt to smuggle wildlife products in Assam on November 5, 2026. According to the PIB, the operation was carried out near the Sonapur toll gate, approximately 27 km from Guwahati.

At 1740 hours, DRI officials spotted five suspects on two two-wheelers, one of whom was carrying a bag suspected to contain ivory. When officials attempted to stop them, the suspects tried to flee, brandishing khukris and daos. They subsequently abandoned the bag and escaped into a nearby village.

Upon inspecting the seized bag, two ivory tusks measuring 29 inches and 30 inches in length were recovered, with a total weight of approximately 3.7 kg. These tusks were seized under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and have been handed over to the Assam State Forest Department for further investigation.

Ivory is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Under Indian law, trade or commercial transactions involving items derived from such protected species are prohibited. The DRI stated that they remain committed to preventing wildlife trafficking through intelligence-based enforcement.