In an unprecedented intelligence operation of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), New Delhi, two epicentres of illegal wildlife poaching and trade were identified in Anantnag area of Srinagar valley and Manwal in the Jammu region.

In a joint operation of WCCB officers, who flew in from Delhi, officers of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Wildlife Warden and Police, simultaneous raids were conducted in both these places on 29.01.2021.

In a tweet message, Union Environment Minister, Shri Prakash Javadekar congratulated WCCB on its continued commitment towards ending wildlife crime.

In the raid in Anantnag, 08 leopard pelts, 38 bear biles, 04 musk pods were seized from Mr. Gul Mohammad Ganie R/o Sherpura, Anantnag.

05 Leopard pelts, 07 leopard nails, 08 canines, 02 molars, 02 leopard skulls and leopard bones (04 Jaw bones, 140 bones pieces), 01 musk teeth were seized in Manwal of Jammu region from Mr. Kushal Hussain Bocked R/o Kingriyal, Jammu. Preliminary investigation revealed that both the offenders arrested in two places were partners in the Illegal Wildlife Trade.

Further investigation will reveal for how long they have been involved in this illegal trade, as also quantum, extent and associates of this illegal business. Efforts are being made to trace the forward and backward linkages of this illegal activity, demand and supply chains and onward traders' linkages.

The present seizure is one of the largest seizures in the recent past. Musk deer and Himalayan Black bear are endangered species and poached for musk pods, bear bile, which is used in Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM). These poached animals - leopard, bear and musk deer are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. As per the provisions of the Act, poaching of these animals and trading their by parts is punishable with minimum 03 years of imprisonment extendable up to 07 years.

A case has been registered in police station Anantnag.