Shillong, Aug 4: The Meghalaya Forest Department has busted two wildlife trafficking cases in Ri-Bhoi District through intelligence-led operations by the Nongpoh Wildlife Range, Khasi Hills Wildlife Division.
On July 18, acting on inputs from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) about illegal trade along the Nongpoh–Umden Road, the team intercepted two persons at Umwang Road.
Four elephant tusks suspected to be of Asiatic Elephant (Elephas maximus) were recovered.
The accused, identified as Tras Khymdeit and Wilshon Khymdeit, both residents of Ri-Bhoi, were arrested. A case has been registered at Nongpoh Wildlife Range under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Investigation is ongoing.
On August 2, another operation at Shakhoikuna Village led to the interception of three suspects. Two polythene bags containing suspected pangolin scales were seized.
Benedick Khymdeit of Ri-Bhoi and Rupai Ingti of Kamrup, Assam were apprehended. One suspect escaped. A separate case has been registered under the WLPA, 1972.
Officials said elephants and pangolins are among India’s most protected species, and illegal wildlife trade poses a major threat to biodiversity.
The Forest Department urged the public to report any information on illegal hunting, possession, transportation or trade of wildlife to the nearest forest office.
