Customs seize 28 kg of ivory in Assam amid anti-wildlife smuggling efforts
SHILLONG: In a significant victory against wildlife smuggling, the customs department confiscated nearly 28 kilograms of ivory and apprehended an individual in Assam.
“Acting on intelligence about illicit ivory trade, Customs (Preventive) HQ officers in Shillong swiftly moved to Biswanath Chariali in Assam. They intercepted an individual carrying four cut pieces of ivory from Indian (Asian) Elephants (Elephas maximus), weighing a total of 27.992 kilograms,” stated the customs (north eastern region) office, headquartered in Shillong.
Elephant tusks are classified under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) of 1972, making their possession and trade illegal.
The ivory was seized under Section 50 of the WLPA, and the case has been handed over to wildlife authorities.
The operation was supported by police in Biswanath district and forest officials in Assam.
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Recent amendments to the WLPA, effective from April 1, 2023, have empowered customs officers with enhanced authority to tackle domestic illegal wildlife trade.
In the past year, the Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive), NER, has made several significant seizures.
These include 68.87 kilograms of pangolin scales, 11.536 kilograms of Ambergris (whale vomit), 360 grams of elephant tusk, and protected exotic species such as hornbills, flame bowerbirds, and a baby orangutan.
These operations were conducted across Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam.
“Customs remains steadfast in its commitment to combat wildlife crime, including cross-border trafficking, and endeavours to collaborate closely with various law enforcement agencies in this endeavour,” the customs department said in a communique.