The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), which operates under the Ministry of Finance, seized 86 live Tokay Geckos during an anti-smuggling operation in Assam on 22 September 2026. Two persons were arrested at Bandar Chalia Gaon Ground in Mariani when DRI officers, acting on intelligence about illegal wildlife trade, intercepted them and recovered the endangered reptiles. The geckos and the suspects were handed to the Mariani Range Forest office for action under wildlife protection laws.
Key facts
- 86 live Tokay Geckos seized on 22 September 2026
- Location: Bandar Chalia Gaon Ground, Mariani, Assam
- Two persons arrested
- Tokay Gecko listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- Species also listed under Appendix-II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
- Case handed to Mariani Range Forest office, Assam
What the Wildlife Protection Act covers
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is India’s primary law for protecting endangered animals and regulating their trade. Species listed under Schedule I receive the highest protection level and cannot be hunted, traded or kept without special permission. The Tokay Gecko, a large reptile native to Southeast Asia, falls under this category. This means any possession, sale or purchase of these geckos without government approval is illegal in India.
International trade restrictions
Beyond Indian law, the Tokay Gecko is protected under Appendix-II of CITES, an international treaty that monitors and controls cross-border trade in endangered species. Appendix-II listing means the species is not necessarily threatened with extinction but could become so if trade is not closely controlled. Countries must issue permits before allowing export or import of Appendix-II species. The dual protection—under India’s wildlife law and CITES—makes trafficking these reptiles a serious offence with potential penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Why Tokay Geckos are trafficked
Tokay Geckos are targeted by smugglers for two main reasons. In some parts of Asia, they are traditionally used in folk medicine and are believed to have healing properties, driving demand despite lack of scientific evidence. Additionally, their distinctive appearance and docile nature make them popular as exotic pets in illegal wildlife markets. Smugglers exploit this dual demand to move the reptiles across borders and within countries, often using courier networks or hidden compartments in luggage.
DRI’s role in wildlife enforcement
The DRI is India’s premier intelligence and enforcement agency for detecting smuggling and illegal trade. While commonly associated with customs and excise duties, the DRI also investigates wildlife trafficking as part of its broader mandate to intercept contraband and illicit goods at borders and within the country. This operation in Assam demonstrates how the agency uses intelligence networks to track and intercept smuggling attempts before endangered animals reach black markets.
What this means for you
If you encounter illegal wildlife trade—whether online, in markets, or through contacts offering exotic pets—reporting it to your local forest department or wildlife authorities can help stop poaching and smuggling. Citizens should know that buying, selling or keeping Schedule I wildlife species without permission is a crime. Even possessing a single Tokay Gecko illegally can result in prosecution. If you find wild animals in distress, contact your state’s forest office rather than attempting to keep or trade them.
What happens next
The two arrested persons will face action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, handled by the Mariani Range Forest office. This may include criminal charges, fines and potential jail time depending on the severity of the offence and whether this is their first violation. The 86 geckos will likely be cared for by wildlife authorities, though rehabilitation of trafficked exotic reptiles is complex and may involve coordination with rescue facilities.