Fri Nov 15 20:13:36 IST 2024: ## 12 Arrested in Villupuram for Attempting to Sell Ivory Artifacts

**Villupuram, November 15, 2024:** In a major crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, the Villupuram District Forest Office arrested 12 individuals on Thursday evening for possessing and attempting to sell ivory artifacts.

The arrests came after a raid on a hotel near the New Bus Stand, based on intelligence that a group was attempting to sell the artifacts. Upon arrival, forest officials discovered four elephant statuettes made of ivory in a hotel room. Five individuals from Dindigul, identified as the sellers, were arrested along with seven potential buyers.

Forest Minister K. Ponmudy, speaking to reporters on Friday, stated that the seized ivory, weighing 6.5 kg, is valued at approximately ₹20 lakh. The department has also seized a car and two motorbikes from the accused. All 12 individuals have been remanded to judicial custody and are currently facing charges related to illegal wildlife trade.

The Forest Department will conduct a thorough investigation into the seizure, aiming to uncover the source of the ivory and any potential broader network involved in the illegal trade.

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