DRI Patna apprehends two suspects involved in wildlife trafficking

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Patna Regional Unit, apprehended two poachers involved in wildlife trafficking with a significant seizure of endangered animal contraband on September 17, 2025.

Sources in the DRI said that acting on actionable intelligence, DRI officers planned a meticulous undercover operation in Patna, targeting a criminal syndicate involved in the poaching and illicit trade of leopard skin and “Hatha Jodi”, the reproductive organ of the protected monitor lizard.

“During the operation, two suspects Gurunam Singh and Vicky Singh, both residents of Himachal Pradesh posing as Sadhus were intercepted and a detailed search revealed a leopard skin—freshly poached, with a natural rotten odour—and Hatha Jodi. Both were apprehended near Baanshghat Patna,” sources said.

According to the DRI sources, preliminary investigations indicate the gang’s involvement in the poaching and trafficking of leopards and monitor lizards to various parts of the country.

Both species fall under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, granting them the highest protection status; any possession, transportation, or trade is a serious punishable offence. These articles are also listed in Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES Appendix-I), making their international trade strictly forbidden.

“The seizure underscores the increasing threat of illegal wildlife trafficking and highlights DRI’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding India’s biodiversity and dismantling such criminal networks in accordance with national laws and international obligations under CITES. Further investigation is in progress,” the sources said.

Later DRI handed over the suspects to the Bihar forest department for further proceedings. They were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court, Patna before being sent to jail.