Bhubaneswar, 13 September (H.S.): The Malkangiri Forest Department has intensified its crackdown on wildlife trafficking with the seizure of around 2 kg of pangolin scales and the arrest of six persons allegedly involved in the illegal trade.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team of officials from the Malkangiri and Mathili forest ranges conducted a raid late Saturday night on the Padmagiri-Pandripani road under Malkangiri Range.

During the operation, forest officials seized 352 pangolin scales weighing approximately 2 kg, along with three vehicles allegedly used for transporting the contraband. All six accused persons were arrested from the spot.

Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Malkangiri DFO Kiran said the department had received information about an illegal pangolin scale trafficking operation in the district. Acting swiftly on the information, forest officials formed a joint team and launched the raid.

Pangolins are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2022. Hunting, possession and illegal trade involving the species attract stringent legal action under the Act.

A wildlife offence case has been registered against the accused under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the pangolin scales and identify other individuals linked to the suspected wildlife trafficking network.

The DFO said the Malkangiri Forest Department remains committed to protecting wildlife and will continue to take stringent action against illegal hunting, possession and trafficking of protected species.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda