Thu Jan 02 18:13:58 UTC 2025: ## Andhra Pradesh Officials Bust Coral Smuggling Ring, Three Arrested
**VIJAYAWADA, Andhra Pradesh –** In a joint operation on December 31st, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department arrested three individuals for smuggling protected marine species. The operation, prompted by a tip-off, resulted in the seizure of dead black corals (“Mahendrajaal” and “Indrajaal”), soft corals, and horse conches from two motorcycles and an auto-rickshaw in Srisailam.
According to Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Wildlife, Shanti Priya Pandey, the accused obtained the corals from a smuggler in Prakasam district. The seized items were packed in cartons, and the accused lacked the necessary permits to trade the protected species. Both soft and black corals are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, while horse conches are listed under Schedule II. The accused have been charged under the Wildlife Protection Act. Investigations are ongoing to identify the source of the smuggled goods and apprehend any further individuals involved in the operation.
First Piper 