Elephant Tusks Seized in Birgunj, Three Arrested

The district police of Birgunj apprehended three individuals in possession of elephant tusks on Friday. The suspects were caught red-handed in Gorakhpur Tole of Thori Rural Municipality, where they were found with two tusks, each weighing a substantial 21 kilograms.

The operation, conducted in coordination with the District Division Office, led to the arrest of Kuisang Lama from Bijaybasti of Thori Rural Municipality-4, Prem Sharma from Birgunj Metropolis-1, and Amiri Lal Mahato from Birgunj Metropolis-21. The tusks, discovered buried in a field belonging to Chandra Pariyar of Thori Rural Municipality-4, were intended for illegal sale.

“We received a tip-off and acted swiftly to prevent this illegal trade,” stated Inspector Rajesh Thapa, leading the investigation. The suspects were intercepted just as they were making arrangements to sell the tusks, underscoring a concerted effort by local authorities to combat wildlife crime.

The arrested individuals are currently under investigation, with charges pending under Nepal’s stringent wildlife protection laws. The seized tusks, evidence of a threatened species, will be crucial in furthering efforts to protect Nepal’s wildlife heritage.