The operation was systematically conducted in a phased manner involving inter-agency coordination; intelligence collection, awareness campaigns, and identification of individual group targets and enforcing of violations were detected by the enforcement agencies and seized large quantities of wildlife contraband. Investigations are continuing in these cases and the final results would be out upon their conclusion. 19 sensitization courses were conducted. The stake holders and 70 inter - agency coordination meetings/ briefings were also held during this period. 13 Eco - messages were generated, which are being sent to the INTERPOL for further verification and necessary action.

The Operation was held to combat the illegal trade in traditional medicine products containing wildlife products and derivatives that are restricted or prohibited to be traded in accordance with Wildlife laws, Customs Act, Exim Policy and CITIES. All agencies including exit points involved in this month long operations maintained confidentiality and worked in close coordination. Departments of Customs, DRI, CISF, Airport Authorities, Drug Controller, Plant Quarantine and Wildlife & Forests departments of States were other major participants. It was part of an international operation coordinated by INTERPOL and involved 18 countries across all 5 continents.

Operation TRAM, which was conducted during 1st to 28th February, 2010, was the first ever globally coordinated action against illegal wildlife trade using INTERPOL's services. Its primary goal was to combat the illegal trade in endangered wildlife which is a threat to our planet's biodiversity. Through this operation, INTERPOL and its member countries made a coordinated effort to make global impact on the criminal groups that so long have exploited the biodiversity. Besides India, other countries involved in the Operation were Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Georgia, Italy, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe.

India is a mega biodiversity country and an account for 6.5% of the world's known wildlife species. The demand within the country for wildlife and its derivatives is limited but it has been the prime target of organized international wildlife trade. For traditional medicines, India is a range state from which endangered species are poached or illegally taken. Same time it is a transit state and also has significant lawful trade in traditional medicine products. The operation in India was planned keeping all these in view.

Mr. David Higgins, Manager of the INTERPOL Environment Crime Programme expressed satisfaction and thanked the police, customs, wildlife law enforcement agencies and other specialized units the 18 participating countries for their tireless efforts and dedication that have made the Operation such a success.