Recently, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully disrupted a wildlife smuggling operation that has been illicitly transporting exotic macaws from Bangladesh into India. The operation was the result of a collaborative effort between the DRI, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and the Customs Department at Kolkata airport.
The Joint Operation and Its Findings
The joint operation led to the seizure of cargo containing 22 exotic birds, including hyacinth macaw, pesquet’s parrot, severe macaw and hahn’s macaw. These birds had been smuggled through the Bongaon region of the Indo-Bangla border and were intercepted at Kolkata airport. All the seized macaws are species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), with the hyacinth macaw receiving the highest level of protection.
Legal Provisions Against Illegal Wildlife Trade
The Indian law is clear on illegal wildlife trade. Illegally imported birds are confiscated under Section 111 of the Customs Act, 1962, in conjunction with CITES provisions and the Foreign Trade Policy of India. Additionally, Sections 48 and 49 of the Wildlife Protection Act prohibit any form of trade or commerce involving wild animals, animal articles, or trophies.
Concerns Over Exotic Species Smuggling
Exotic species smuggling is of particular concern due to the risk of spreading zoonotic diseases, an issue that has gained global attention in the wake of Covid-19. In fact, illegal wildlife trade stands as the fourth largest transnational organised crime worldwide, following narcotics smuggling, counterfeit goods trafficking, and human trafficking. West Bengal and northeast India are particularly vulnerable to cross-border wildlife smuggling due to their proximity to the Bangladesh and Myanmar borders, and Thailand.
Recent Seizures and Continued Threats
In recent years, the DRI has seized a variety of endangered species, including the black-and-white ruffed lemur, hoolock gibbons, palm civets, and Indian star tortoise. Elephant tusks and ivory products are also among the frequently smuggled items. Many international organisations involved in wildlife crime exploit the Indo-Bangladesh Border not just for animal trafficking, but also for smuggling drugs, commercial goods, and firearms, as well as illegal foreign currency movement.
About Hyacinth Macaw
The hyacinth macaw, scientifically known as Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, is a parrot native to central and eastern South America. It is the largest living species of macaw, and indeed of any flying parrot species. Despite its size, the hyacinth macaw faces threats from habitat loss and the pet trade, which have significantly reduced their wild population. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List classifies the species as ‘Vulnerable’, and CITES lists it in Appendix I – the highest level of protection.
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is a multi-disciplinary body established by the Government of India to combat organised wildlife crime. The Bureau is headquartered in New Delhi and operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. Meanwhile, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence serves as India’s primary agency against smuggling intelligence, investigations, and operations. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Ministry of Finance. DRI’s mandate includes preventing smuggling of firearms, gold, narcotics, fake Indian Currency notes, antiques, wildlife and environmental products, as well as fighting against black money, commercial frauds, and trade-based money laundering.
