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65 Smuggling in India Report 2024-25

c. Pangolins

Indian Pangolin, one of the world’s most trafficked
mammal, is targeted for its scales and meat. In FY
2024-25, DRI booked 4 cases in which 59.51 kg of
Pangolin scales and 1 live pangolin were seized
in the North East. These cases indicate a shift
from bulk consignments to smaller, frag-
mented shipments, with traffickers
exploiting rural routes and digital plat-
forms. The adaptability of these syndi-
cates poses a serious enforcement
challenge.

Case 3: Live Pangolin seized
in Assam
In December 2024, DRI offi-
cers intercepted a mini-truck
in Moregaon, Assam, and
seized a live pangolin con-
cealed in a backpack. Three
persons were apprehended.
The pangolin is protected
under Schedule I of the Wild-
life (Protection) Act, 1972.

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