Assam Police Arrest Two Traffickers With Elephant Ivory

The Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police arrested two men in the Tamulpur district for illegal wildlife trafficking. Police seized two elephant ivory tusks weighing over 4 kilograms during the operation. This action is part of the state government's ongoing efforts to stop poaching and the illegal trade of wildlife products.

Details of the Operation

The STF team launched a targeted operation in the Bangalipara area, which is located near the border between India and Bhutan. Based on specific intelligence about an illegal trade deal, officers identified and apprehended two suspects. The arrested individuals are 24-year-old Gwhwm Basumatary and 23-year-old Swdwbma Basumatary, both from Tamulpur. During the search, officers recovered two raw tusks weighing 2.09 kg and 1.97 kg.

Value of Seized Wildlife Items

During preliminary questioning, the suspects admitted they were trying to sell the ivory tusks. The total value of the seized contraband is estimated to be ₹6 lakh, based on a rate of approximately ₹1.5 lakh per kilogram. The recovery of these items highlights the continued illegal activity involving protected wildlife species in the region.

Legal Action and Investigation

Following the arrest, the STF followed all required legal procedures. The suspects and the seized ivory were handed over to the Forest Department after a formal FIR was filed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. A local court has placed both men into judicial custody. Police and forest officials are now working together to trace where the tusks came from and to identify any larger smuggling networks involved in this case.