Major Wildlife Crime Bust: 60kg Pangolin Scales Seized in Multi-State Operation
In a significant crackdown on wildlife trafficking, authorities from the Palamu Tiger Reserve, along with interstate forest officers, have seized approximately 60 kilograms of pangolin scales in a coordinated operation spanning three Indian states. The operation, which took place between November 18, 2025, and January 20, 2026, represents one of the largest wildlife crime busts in recent memory.
Multi-State Coordination Leads to Major Seizures
The operation involved multiple teams from the Palamu Tiger Reserve working in conjunction with divisional forest officers from Balrampur and Jashpur in Chhattisgarh, Darbhanga and Banka in Bihar, and Medininagar, Latehar, Gumla, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and Palkot in Jharkhand. This unprecedented coordination across state boundaries proved crucial in dismantling parts of an extensive wildlife crime network.
Deputy Director (North) of Palamu Tiger Reserve, P K Jena, revealed the details at a press conference in Daltonganj on Thursday. "The wildlife crime network is deep and well rooted," Jena stated. "It is spread over Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand, requiring coordinated efforts across jurisdictions."
Additional Wildlife Trophies Recovered
Beyond the massive pangolin scale seizure, authorities made several other significant recoveries during the operation period:
- Two red sand boa snakes
- 2 kilograms of coral
- Two deer skins
- One leopard skin
- Two jars of snake venom
The coral and skins of leopard and deer were specifically recovered from Bihar state, highlighting the interstate nature of the trafficking operations. Authorities also seized various logistical items used in the commission of these crimes, including three cottage guns, one four-wheeler, one bike, and a slingshot.
Arrests and Judicial Proceedings
The operation resulted in substantial law enforcement success, with 61 individuals arrested in connection with these wildlife offences. "They were forwarded to judicial custody," confirmed Jena, indicating that formal legal proceedings have been initiated against the alleged perpetrators.
Calls for Pre-emptive Measures and Enhanced Powers
Despite the successful operation, officials acknowledge the reactive nature of current enforcement strategies. "Our action or drive is definitely post-commission of wildlife crime," Jena admitted. "We need a pre-emptive strike."
The officer drew comparisons with more aggressive approaches elsewhere in India, noting: "In Assam, there is an armed-to-the-teeth squad of personnel who guard wildlife with shoot-at-sight orders in the offing. Here we go by the ancient way."
To address this gap, authorities have proposed the formation of specialized armed units. "We have urged the state government to order the formation of an armed platoon of 25 personnel each for the North and South Division of PTR," Jena revealed.
Enhanced Magisterial Powers and Infrastructure Needs
In a positive development, the Jharkhand government has recently vested magisterial power with the two deputy directors and range officers in PTR. "With this invocation of magisterial power with the deputy directors and range officers, it is now easier to make recovery of wildlife trophies and other things used in the commission of crime," Jena explained.
However, officials acknowledge that prosecution and investigation capabilities need strengthening. When questioned about whether prosecution of wildlife crime offenders suffers from poor investigation, Jena conceded: "Prosecution and investigation need to be further sharpened."
Sources indicate that the Jharkhand government has been approached regarding critical infrastructure needs, including:
- A dedicated forensic laboratory for wildlife crime evidence
- Facilities for tracking financial transactions and bank accounts of suspected smugglers
- Enhanced capabilities for monitoring communication details of wildlife crime networks
Public Cooperation and Legal Framework
Authorities are calling for greater public involvement in combating wildlife crime. "We appeal to common people to help us trace and track people who are out to kill wildlife for commerce and trade," Jena urged, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance.
Regarding the adequacy of existing legislation, Jena affirmed that "The Wildlife Protection Act is tough to tame such offenders," suggesting that while the legal framework is robust, implementation and enforcement require enhancement.
The press conference in Daltonganj was attended by Ranger Umesh Dubey and two members of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, underscoring the multi-agency approach to tackling this serious environmental crime.
