DRI seizes tiger nails and teeth in Hyderabad wildlife trafficking bust
Hyderabad: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized tiger body parts, including nails and canine teeth, after intercepting two suspected wildlife traffickers in a targeted operation carried out on February 9, 2026.
Acting on specific intelligence about illegal trade in protected wildlife articles, the DRI’s Hyderabad Zonal Unit planned and executed a swift operation. Officials intercepted two suspects who were allegedly attempting to sell tiger parts in the grey market.
During questioning, one of the suspects produced a transparent zip-lock pouch from his backpack. On examination, the pouch was found to contain seven tiger nails and three tiger canine teeth, suspected to be parts of a tiger, a species protected under Indian law.
Tiger wildlife trafficking case handed to forest officials
Officials said the tiger was listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, making possession or trade of its body parts a serious criminal offence. The seized wildlife articles, along with the packing material and the backpack used for concealment, were confiscated under the provisions of the Act.
The two suspects, along with the seized tiger nails and teeth, mobile phones, and other materials, were handed over to the Telangana State Forest Department for further investigation. Forest officials were expected to probe the wider network involved in the tiger wildlife trafficking case and take action as per law.
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