SHILLONG, AUG 4: The Meghalaya Forest Department has arrested four people and seized wildlife articles in two separate intelligence-led operations in Ri Bhoi District, marking a major crackdown on wildlife trafficking in the state.
Both operations were conducted by the Nongpoh Wildlife Range under the Khasi Hills Wildlife Division.
In the first operation on 18 July 2026, acting on inputs from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau about illegal trade along the Nongpoh–Umden Road, the enforcement team intercepted two suspects at Umwang Road.
During the search, four elephant tusks suspected to be of the Asiatic Elephant Elephas maximus were recovered from their possession. The arrested have been identified as Tras Khymdeit and Wilshon Khymdeit, both residents of Ri Bhoi District.
The tusks were seized and the duo was arrested under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
A case has been registered at Nongpoh Wildlife Range and further investigation is underway.
In the second operation on 2 August 2026 at Shakhoikuna Village, the team intercepted three suspected individuals.
Two polythene bags containing articles believed to be pangolin scales were recovered.
Two persons, Benedick Khymdeit of Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya and Rupai Ingti of Kamrup, Assam, were apprehended, while one suspect managed to escape.
The seized items were taken into custody under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
A separate case has been registered and investigation is in progress.
Elephants and pangolins are among India’s most protected species under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
The department said illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products poses a serious threat to biodiversity and natural heritage.
Reaffirming its commitment to combating wildlife crime, the Meghalaya Forest Department has appealed to the public to report any information related to illegal hunting, possession, transportation or trade of wildlife and wildlife articles to the nearest Forest Office.
By Our Reporter
