The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a wildlife trafficking syndicate involved in the illicit trade of ivory artefacts and seized 54 intricately carved ivory items in Lucknow. The seized items include animal figurines of bulls, elephants and dogs, as well as human figurines depicting a warrior and a mother holding her child.

Other recovered articles include scissors, combs, an agarbatti stand and a sindoor dani, among others. According to the DRI, the artefacts are finely detailed and could have substantial commercial and antique value. The seized ivory artefacts, along with the four arrested members of the syndicate, have been handed over to the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department for further investigation.