Authorities Seize Elephant Ivory and Arrest Two in Assam Wildlife Raid

Guwahati: A joint task force led by the Assam Forest Department, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, and the Wildlife Protection Society of India arrested two men for suspected wildlife trafficking. The operation took place on Tuesday evening in Santipur, located near the Assam-Meghalaya border, following reports of illegal trade activity in the region.

Authorities recovered two pieces of suspected elephant ivory and a motorcycle during the raid. The two men in custody were identified as 52-year-old Leson Marak and 40-year-old Hopring Sangma. Both individuals face charges under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

The suspects and the confiscated items were transported to the Bamunigaon Range Forest Office for processing. Officials are now working to track the origin of the ivory and determine if the arrests are linked to a broader smuggling operation. Regarding the ongoing investigation, authorities stated that they are working to "determine the source of the seized contraband and identify possible links to a larger wildlife smuggling network."