What happened: DRI operation in Lucknow
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted a wildlife trafficking syndicate in Lucknow and seized 54 carved ivory artefacts.
DRI acted on specific intelligence about the illicit trade of ivory artefacts. During the operation, DRI intercepted four persons of the syndicate and recovered 54 intricately carved ivory artefacts.
The recovered ivory artefacts included animal figurines of bull, elephants, and dog, human figurines of a warrior and a mother holding her child, and other items such as scissors, comb, agarbatti stand, and sindoor dani.
After seizure, DRI handed over the 54 ivory artefacts and the four syndicate members to the UP Forest Department for further investigation.
Background and earlier position: DRI ivory-related seizures reported in 2026
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