Shillong: Meghalaya forest department has seized elephant tusks and suspected pangolin scales in two intelligence-led operations conducted by the Nongpoh Wildlife Range under the Khasi Hills Wildlife Division in Ri Bhoi district.In the first operation on July 18, 2026, acting on specific inputs from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) about suspected illegal wildlife trade along the Nongpoh–Umden Road, the enforcement team intercepted two suspects at Umwang Road. A search led to the recovery of four elephant tusks, suspected to be from the Asiatic elephant (Elephas maximus).The two accused, identified as Tras Khymdeit and Wilshon Khymdeit, both residents of Ri Bhoi district, were arrested under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The seized items were taken into custody, and a case was registered at the Nongpoh Wildlife Range. Further investigation is underway.In a second operation on Aug 2, 2026, at Shakhoikuna village in Ri Bhoi district, the Nongpoh Wildlife Range intercepted three suspected individuals. Two polythene bags containing suspected pangolin scales were recovered. Two persons — Benedick Khymdeit of Ri Bhoi district, Meghalaya, and Rupai Ingti of Kamrup district, Assam — were apprehended, while one suspect escaped.The suspected wildlife articles were seized under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and a separate case has been registered at the Nongpoh Wildlife Range. Investigation is in progress.The forest department said elephants and pangolins are among India’s most protected species under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and warned that illegal trade in wildlife and derivatives poses a serious threat to biodiversity and natural heritage.
