A total of 61 people were arrested in a joint wildlife crime operation across Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh, officials said. The drive, held between November 2025 and January 20, targeted protected forest areas in these states. Deputy Director of Palamu Tiger Reserve, Prajesh Jena, told reporters that the teams recovered dangerous items including poisonous snake venom, deer and leopard skins, and about 60 kg of pangolin scales. Three country-made firearms were also found. ‘‘Officials of the rank of Divisional Forest Officer from Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand participated in the operation,’’ Mr. Jena said. He explained that the demand for wildlife products remains high in parts of South Asia, often for medicinal uses. Wildlife crimes also continue in central Indian forest corridors, making enforcement vital for animal conservation. The operation marks a significant win in curbing illegal wildlife trade across the three states.