In a wildlife trafficking crackdown, DRI seized 86 live Tokke geckos in Assam; two people were arrested.

The Central Revenue Investigation Agency (DRI) seized 86 live Tokay Geckos and arrested two suspects in a coordinated operation recently held at a major transport hub in Assam. This action is part of a broad campaign launched to disrupt the state’s wildlife smuggling network, in which several investigative units collaborated with border security forces, the state wildlife authority, and local police. The seized Tokay Geckos were placed in special containers and handed over to the Assam Wildlife Conservation Department, where they will undergo health testing and verification of legality.

Tokay Geckos are trafficked in many parts of Southeast Asia due to high demand in traditional medicines, the pet trade, and the biotech industry. In India, this species is listed under Schedule‑II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and internationally it is included in Appendix‑II of CITES, which prohibits its trade. Through this operation, the DRI clarified that it is monitoring not only economic offences but also violations of biodiversity.

Officials said this success is only a beginning; continuous monitoring and strict action are required to dismantle wildlife‑smuggling networks in Assam and neighboring states. The DRI expressed its intention to strengthen intelligence gathering, inter‑agency cooperation, and public awareness programmes for future operations, so that such illegal trade can be eradicated at the root.