Forest officials from Jharkhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh have arrested 61 people allegedly involved in wildlife crimes during a coordinated crackdown carried out across protected forest areas over nearly three months, officials said on Thursday. ADVERTISEMENTDuring the drive, forest teams recovered poisonous snake venom, deer and leopard skins, and around 60 kg of pangolin scales, along with three country-made firearms, Jena said. The operation involved senior forest officials, with officers of the rank of Divisional Forest Officer from Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand actively participating in planning and execution, he added. Officials said the joint operation reflects growing coordination among states to tackle wildlife trafficking, which often involves sophisticated supply chains and armed offenders. Forest authorities added that further investigations are underway to identify buyers and interstate links connected to the seized wildlife contraband and firearms.

Source: The Telegraph January 23, 2026 08:18 UTC