A joint enforcement team from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) and the Assam Forest Department’s Bamunigaon Range seized two pieces of suspected elephant ivory and arrested two men on the evening of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, near the Assam–Meghalaya border at Santipur in Bamunigaon.
Officials said the operation followed specific intelligence about suspected wildlife contraband moving through the area. The raid recovered two suspected ivory articles and led to the seizure of a Hero motorcycle allegedly used in connection with the activity.
The two arrested were identified as 52-year-old Leson Marak and 40-year-old Hopring Sangma. Both were taken into custody on charges of illegal possession and suspected involvement in wildlife trafficking.
The seized items and the accused were produced before the Bamunigaon Range Forest Office for further legal proceedings under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Authorities did not provide details on the weight or estimated value of the recovered material.
Investigators said inquiries are continuing to determine the origin of the contraband and to identify any links to a broader smuggling network. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by enforcement agencies to curb illegal wildlife trade and protect elephant populations in the region.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-elephant-ivory-seized-at-bamunigaon-two-arrested-in-wildlife-trafficking-crackdown-1409510-2026-06-17?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-06-17 11:43:00
