Trafficking bid foiled, 4 jumbo tusks recovered & 1 arrested

Guwahati: The anti-smuggling unit of the Guwahati customs division has foiled a trafficking attempt and seized four elephant tusks from Assam’s Darrang district. An individual has been arrested in connection with the case.The seizure was made recently, following specific actionable intelligence, officials from the customs department said.Customs anti-smuggling unit superintendent Saroj Ranjan Kumar said elephant tusk trafficking is a serious transnational crime that poses an existential threat to elephant populations across Asia. He emphasised that the illegal trade not only fuels organised crime networks but also accelerates the rapid decline of the elephant species. “The primary demand for illicit ivory originates in Southeast Asian markets, where it is sought after for luxury decorative items, status symbols, and traditional artefacts,” the superintendent said.The official added that the total weight of the four ivories was 9.6 kg, and a person has been arrested in connection with this case. However, authorities are yet to reveal his identity.“Actionable intelligence was received that a person having possession of the elephant tusks was looking for a prospective buyer. Acting on the information, a team searched a house in Hazarikapara village in Sipajhar town,” Kumar said.He added that a case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The seized tusks, along with the arrested person, have been handed over to the forest department for further investigation and necessary legal action. “A case has been registered under Sections 39, 48 (a), 49 (b) and 52 of the Wildlife Protection Act,” he said.