DRI Seizes 17 kg of Elephant Tusks and Ivory Articles in Banjara Hills, Detains Three

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials seized four elephant tusks weighing approximately 17 kg and apprehended three individuals in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, on 1 October 2026. The enforcement action was carried out during an alleged attempt to sell the illegal wildlife contraband.

Acting on specific intelligence, a team of DRI officials set up an interception in Banjara Hills. The officers caught the three suspects while they were allegedly attempting to conduct the transaction and sell the ivory.

During the search, officials recovered the four elephant tusks along with several intricately carved ivory articles. The combined weight of the seized contraband amounted to approximately 17 kg.

The materials were confiscated under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The central legislation strictly prohibits the commercial trade and dealing of elephant ivory as well as articles crafted from it.

The three apprehended persons were taken in for questioning by investigators. DRI officials are working to trace the origin and source of the seized tusks to determine if the suspects are connected to a broader wildlife-trafficking syndicate.

The Banjara Hills operation reflects sustained enforcement against the illicit ivory market. Authorities have maintained vigilance to identify and dismantle networks involved in trafficking trophies and products derived from protected species.