DRI Busts Wildlife Smuggling Attempt in Telangana

HYDERABAD: In a major crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has foiled an attempt to sell rare wildlife in the grey market.

Officials from the DRI’s Hyderabad zonal unit intercepted a smuggling attempt in Warangal, Telangana, resulting in the rescue of two live Indian Red Sand Boa snakes and the apprehension of one suspect.

The Undercover Operation

According to agency officials, the operation was executed based on specific, actionable intelligence indicating that an individual was actively looking for buyers to sell live snakes in the grey market.

Acting swiftly on the tip-off, the DRI deployed a team to conduct an undercover decoy operation on Sunday, May 17. The operative team successfully laid a trap and intercepted the suspect at a pre-identified location in Warangal before the illegal transaction could take place.

High Stakes in the Grey Market

The Indian Red Sand Boa (Eryx johnii) is a non-venomous species protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act. However, it remains a prime target for poachers and wildlife traffickers due to irrational superstitions.

Red Sand Boas are frequently smuggled due to widespread, baseless beliefs that they bring good luck, possess medicinal qualities, or can be used in occult rituals to reveal hidden treasures.

The apprehended suspect is currently being questioned to unearth the broader network of poachers and potential buyers involved in the syndicate. The rescued snakes are expected to be handed over to the local forest department for safe release back into their natural habitat.