Overview
- Officers from the DRI Hyderabad Zonal Unit conducted day-long surveillance in Hanamkonda on October 4 following specific intelligence on illegal trade.
- A total of 6.53 kilograms of Indian pangolin scales were recovered, which officials estimate came from about five animals.
- The Indian pangolin is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and international trade is banned under CITES Appendix I.
- The seized material and four detainees were handed over to the Forest Range Officer, Hanamkonda, for investigation under wildlife protection provisions.
- Authorities note pangolin scales are trafficked for traditional medicine markets in parts of China and Southeast Asia, with reported penalties of three to seven years’ imprisonment for offenders.