Malkangiri, Sep 13: The Malkangiri Forest Department has achieved a major breakthrough in its crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking with the seizure of around 2 kg of pangolin scales and the arrest of six persons.
Acting on specific intelligence regarding the illegal trade, a joint team comprising officials from the Malkangiri and Mathili forest ranges conducted a raid late Saturday night on the Padmagiri-Pandripani road under Malkangiri Range.
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During the operation, forest officials seized 352 pangolin scales weighing approximately 2 kg, along with three motor vehicles allegedly used in the illegal trade. All six accused persons were arrested from the spot.
Malkangiri DFO Kiran said the department had received information about the smuggling of pangolin scales in the district. Based on the intelligence, teams from both ranges coordinated the operation and successfully intercepted the suspected traffickers.
Pangolins are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2022. Hunting, possession and illegal trade involving the species attract stringent legal action.
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The Forest Department has registered a wildlife offence case under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the seized pangolin scales and identify other individuals linked to the wider wildlife trafficking network.
