Bhopal (FNO): In a major breakthrough against global wildlife crime, the Madhya Pradesh Tiger Strike Force on Friday arrested an international tiger trafficker believed to be linked to a network operating across several Asian countries. Officials described the arrest as one of the biggest crackdowns on illegal tiger trade in recent years.

According to authorities, the accused had been under surveillance for several weeks following intelligence inputs from national and international agencies. The suspect was apprehended during a coordinated operation involving ground surveillance, digital tracking, and undercover teams.

Preliminary investigations suggest the trafficker was involved in smuggling tiger skins, bones, claws, and other body parts to foreign markets where demand for illegal wildlife products remains high. The network is suspected to have connections stretching across Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and China.

Senior officials from the Tiger Strike Force said the arrest could help dismantle a larger trafficking chain. “This is a significant achievement. The accused has been a high-value target for years. His interrogation will likely expose a wider network of poachers, transporters, and international buyers,” an officer said.

Wildlife conservationists have praised the MP Tiger Strike Force for the operation. India, home to more than 70% of the world’s tigers, remains a prime target for international poaching syndicates. Despite strict laws under the Wildlife Protection Act, illegal trafficking continues to threaten tiger populations in critical habitats.

Authorities are now verifying the suspect’s travel history, financial records, and communication trails to identify accomplices both within India and abroad. More arrests are expected in the coming days.

The accused has been remanded to police custody, and investigations are ongoing.