The Mizoram Police feel that the exotic animals were smuggled in from neighbouring Myanmar and the racket involves smugglers of both the countries.
Mizoram: In what is being termed as one of the biggest hauls of illegally trafficked animals, the Mizoram Police on Saturday said it managed to rescue as many as 140 exotic wildlife species. They added that three persons were arrested in connection with the case.
Listing out the animal species that were recovered from the possession of the accused, the Mizoram Police said, 30 tortoises, two monkeys, two marmoset monkeys, 22 pythons, 18 Sumatran Water Monitors, 55 crocodile hatchlings, four flame powerbirds, four servel cats and one albino wallaby were seized.
The Mizoram Police feel that the exotic animals were smuggled in from neighbouring Myanmar and the racket involves smugglers of both the countries.
In a tweet, the Mizoram Police said, “We are committed to protect wildlife at all costs. Kudos to Team #Champhai for another huge success in seizure and rescue of exotic wildlife species. Acting jointly with Champhai Excise & Narcotics Department, early this morning, #ChamphaiPolice seized and rescued 140 exotic animals & birds, suspected to be smuggled from Myanmar.”
The police added that the police also said that the exotic animals and birds along with the seized vehicles were handed over to Superintendent, Custom Preventive Force, Champhai for further legal action.
The authorities informed that the exotic animals were found in cages and boxes.
The haul came barely a month after 40 exotic animals, including a baby wallaby, were rescued from Assam. The animals had been trafficked from Myanmar and the vehicles were transporting them illegally from Dimapur in Nagaland, police sources had said.
