DRI seizes four elephant tusks, ivory items; three held

Seized elephant tusks and ivory items.

Four elephant tusks weighing about 17 kg, including intricately carved ivory items, were seized by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Hyderabad while the sale deal was allegedly underway, officials said.

During the operation in Banjara Hills, three persons were arrested allegedly involved in the illegal sale.

Acting on specific information, DRI officers laid a trap and arrested the three when a transaction involving elephant tusks and ivory items was allegedly underway.

The four items, which included carved ivory trophies, were subsequently confiscated under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

Trade or commerce in ivory and items made from it is prohibited by law, the agency said.

The DRI said it conducts intelligence-based operations against illegal trade and commerce in wild animals, wildlife trophies and articles of protected species across the country.

Published – 01 Oct 2026 21:41 IST