Shillong: Forest officials hauled in a cache of illegal wildlife contraband during two separate stings in Ri-Bhoi district. The operation netted four elephant tusks and a stash of pangolin scales. Four suspects are now in custody. Authorities launched the first raid on July 18 after the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau flagged suspicious activity on Umwang Road.
Nongpoh Wildlife Range officers intercepted Tras Khymdeit and Wilshon Khymdeit. They found four tusks believed to be from an Asiatic Elephant. Both men face charges under the Wild Life Protection Act of 1972.
The crackdown continued on August 2 at Shakhoikuna Village. Teams cornered two men carrying two polythene bags filled with pangolin scales. Officers arrested Benedick Khymdeit of Ri-Bhoi and Rupai Ingti of Kamrup District, Assam. A third suspect fled the scene during the commotion.
Officials filed cases at the Nongpoh Wildlife Range. Investigators are now tracking the wider poaching network. The Forest Department remains focused on stopping the trade. "The Forest Department reiterated its commitment to tackling wildlife crime and urged the public to report any information regarding the illegal hunting or transportation of wildlife to the nearest Forest Office."
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