Four persons were arrested in two separate operations in Meghalaya's Ri Bhoi district after four elephant tusks and suspected pangolin scales were seized, officials said on Tuesday.
SHILLONG — Four persons were arrested in two separate operations in Meghalaya's Ri Bhoi district after four elephant tusks and suspected pangolin scales were seized, officials said on Tuesday.
In the first operation, forest officials intercepted two suspects on the Nongpoh-Umden Road at Umwang on the basis of a tip-off, they said.
Four elephant tusks were recovered from their possession, they added.
The two accused, identified as Tras Khymdeit and Wilshon Khymdeit of Ri Bhoi, were arrested under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
In another operation at Shakhoikuna village on August 2, a wildlife enforcement team intercepted three suspected traffickers and recovered two polythene bags containing articles suspected to be pangolin scales.
Two persons, Benedick Khymdeit of Ri Bhoi district and Rupai Ingti of Assam's Kamrup district, were arrested, while another suspect managed to flee, officials said.
Investigations are underway to trace the source and intended destination of the seized wildlife contraband, they said.
Elephants and pangolins are among the species accorded the highest level of protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and trafficking in their body parts poses a serious threat to biodiversity, they said.