On Saturday, a joint team of Wildlife Protection personnel claimed to have busted a leopard skin smuggling network in Kalanandi Odisha. Officials said three leopard skins and two big cat nails were found so far, and that four members of the gang had been arrested for trafficking animal products.
A joint team of wildlife officials from Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and the Central Wildlife Crime Control Bureau raided and arrested the smugglers in Kalahandi. They were striking a deal to sell the leopard skins and nails, acting on a tip from a buyer of wildlife products from outside the State.
The accused have been charged under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Wildlife Protection Act. Officials said they’re trying to figure out whether there are any more persons involved.
According to sources, the illegal wildlife product trade in the area has developed for several years. They are learning lavishly from the killing, smuggling, and sale of protected animals such as leopards and other endangered species.
Leopard body parts are in high demand in Asian countries, according to wildlife specialists. Their skins, bones, and other body parts are used in traditional medicine.
Highly organised criminal syndicates are involved in the trade, which manages a wide supply chain. It extends from the forest dwellers who kill the animals to transporters, smugglers, and finally customers.
