Context:
In a major breakthrough against transnational wildlife crime, Indian wildlife authorities arrested Yangchen Lachungpa, a key figure in an international wildlife trafficking network, from Lachung, North Sikkim, following an Interpol Red Notice. The arrest exposes deep-rooted illegal trade involving tiger parts and pangolin scales, with cross-border linkages.
Key Highlights:
Arrest and Enforcement Action
- Yangchen Lachungpa arrested on December 2 from Lachung, North Sikkim.
- Operation carried out jointly by:
- Madhya Pradesh State Tiger Strike Force
- Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
- Interpol Red Notice had been issued two months earlier, enabling international coordination.
Origin of the Case
- Case traces back to July 2015 at the Kamti Range of Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.
- Forest officials recovered:
- Tiger body parts
- 1.5 kg of pangolin scales
- By December 2022, a Narmadapuram court convicted 27 accused linked to the trafficking syndicate.
Role of the Accused
- Testimony of Jai Tamang (October 2015) identified Lachungpa as a key buyer and facilitator.
- Network allegedly spanned Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and major Indian cities.
- Wildlife parts were reportedly trafficked to Chinese markets.
Repeat Offender Aspect
- Lachungpa was earlier arrested in 2017, but:
- Violated bail conditions
- Resumed trafficking activities
- Highlights weaknesses in monitoring of high-risk offenders.
Government Response
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change termed the arrest one of the most significant actions against wildlife crime in India.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Persistent transnational wildlife trafficking despite strong legal frameworks.
- Causes: High demand for wildlife parts, porous borders, organized crime networks.
- Government Initiatives:
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
- Tiger Strike Forces
- International cooperation via Interpol
- Benefits of Enforcement: Biodiversity conservation, protection of endangered species, strengthening rule of law.
- Challenges: Cross-border crime, repeat offenders, enforcement gaps in remote regions.
- Impact: Strengthened India’s credibility in global wildlife conservation efforts.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Facts & Definitions:
- Wildlife Trafficking: Illegal trade in protected animals or their derivatives.
- Interpol Red Notice: International request to locate and provisionally arrest a wanted person.
- Satpura Tiger Reserve: Important tiger habitat in Madhya Pradesh.
- Keywords & Concepts: Transnational crime, biodiversity loss, organized wildlife syndicates.
- Static + Conceptual Linkages:
- Link between wildlife crime and internal security.
- Role of international cooperation in environmental governance.
- Way Forward:
- Strengthen border surveillance and intelligence sharing.
- Tighten bail and monitoring mechanisms for wildlife offenders.
- Enhance community participation and use of technology (AI, wildlife forensics).
- Deeper cooperation with neighbouring countries to curb demand-side drivers.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS Paper III:
- Environment & Ecology: Wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection
- Internal Security: Transnational organized crime, border security
- Prelims: Interpol, WCCB, wildlife trafficking hotspots, tiger reserves