Authorities make shocking discovery after receiving anonymous tip — here's what they found

India's Wildlife Department arrested three individuals linked with wildlife trafficking in Nakodar, Punjab.

What's happening?

According to The Tribune, the Indian Wildlife Department received an anonymous tip about wildlife smuggling in Nakodar. 

Posing as a customer, one team member drew in an individual connected to the trade, who was promptly arrested. Authorities seized pieces of sambar deer antlers, tiger claws, and assorted parts of a wild cat from his person.

Sambar deer are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, while tigers are classed as endangered.

After questioning, he revealed that he obtained the contraband from a local shop, uncovering two more individuals involved in the trade. Authorities seized more antler pieces and tiger claws from said shop.

The three individuals were arrested under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

Why is this sting operation important?

Wildlife trafficking often comes with a human cost. Though the specimens seized in this operation weren't alive, traffickers often smuggle live animals across borders, bypassing typical regulations. Such trade can lead to the spread of diseases along supply chains, per the World Wildlife Fund.

This instance is one of many wildlife trafficking incidents targeting vulnerable and endangered species. In fact, there are entire international crime rings dedicated to poaching tigers and selling their parts. 

This puts already vulnerable species at further risk of extinction. When one species goes extinct, it puts the entire ecosystem's delicate balance in jeopardy. If apex predators like tigers go extinct, for example, it could lead to unchecked growth of prey species, causing more extinctions down the line.

What's being done about wildlife trafficking?

Punjab Newsline reported that strict legal action will be taken against the three arrested individuals. Authorities are working to find who else is connected to the case.

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Cracking down on wildlife trafficking can pose great difficulties for authorities. That's why enforcement efforts at airports and terrestrial borders are increasingly important. 

If you would like to help trafficked animals on an individual level, consider donating to organizations that rescue wildlife.

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