DRI seizes 54 ivory artefacts in Lucknow, four held
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence busted a wildlife trafficking syndicate in Lucknow on 19 August 2026, seizing 54 carved ivory artefacts and arresting four people.
Summary
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on 19 August 2026 busted a wildlife trafficking syndicate in Lucknow, intercepting four people and seizing 54 intricately carved ivory artefacts. The items included figurines of bulls, elephants and a mother holding her child, as well as combs and a sindoor dani. The artefacts and the four accused were handed over to the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 prohibits trade in elephant ivory and articles made from it, in line with India's obligations under CITES.
Key facts
- Agency
- Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
- Place
- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Seizure
- 54 ivory artefacts
- Arrests
- Four
- Handed to
- UP Forest Department
- Law
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; CITES
Practice MCQs 2 questions
In which city did the DRI bust an ivory artefact trafficking syndicate and seize 54 artefacts on 19 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Lucknow
The DRI operation was carried out in Lucknow; the four accused and the artefacts were handed to the UP Forest Department.
Consider the following statements about the DRI ivory seizure of 19 August 2026: 1. The seized artefacts and the accused were handed over to the CBI. 2. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 prohibits trade in elephant ivory and articles made from it. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The artefacts and accused were handed over to the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.