Gajapati, Oct. 10 -- The Gajapati Forest Division has arrested six persons and seized three leopard skins in two coordinated operations conducted over two days as part of a crackdown on suspected wildlife trafficking, forest officials said.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, officials said a special enforcement team was constituted under the leadership of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Shine Sree Das. The team comprised Range Officers of Devagiri and Mohana, the Regional Tiger Force (RTF), foresters, forest guards and wildlife protection squads.

Acting on credible intelligence received on October 7 about a suspected wildlife trade deal involving Parlakhemundi and Mohana, the team conducted its first raid on the morning o...