Seizure of Exotic Wildlife in Mizoram Leads to Arrest of Three Myanmarese
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Synopsis
In a recent operation, the Assam Rifles and Mizoram Forest Department apprehended three Myanmarese nationals and rescued several exotic animals, including Patagonian Maras and African Spurred Tortoises, valued at approximately Rs 1.31 crore. This operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking along the Indo-Myanmar border.
Key Takeaways
- Joint operation by Assam Rifles and Mizoram Forest Department.
- Three Myanmarese nationals apprehended.
- Rescue of exotic wildlife species valued at Rs 1.31 crore.
- Commitment to curbing illegal wildlife trafficking.
- Previous recoveries of smuggled wildlife in the region.
Aizawl, April 3 (NationPress) The Assam Rifles, in collaboration with officials from the Mizoram Forest Department, successfully rescued numerous exotic wildlife species and detained three nationals from Myanmar in the northeastern region, as confirmed by officials on Thursday.
A representative from the defense sector indicated that the Assam Rifles troops, together with the Forest Department officials, initiated a joint operation at the crossing point four (Robert Kai) in Mizoram’s Zokhawthar area, adjacent to the Champhai district.
The security forces intercepted the trafficking of exotic wildlife and apprehended three Myanmarese individuals while they were attempting to cross from Myanmar into India with concealed containers on Wednesday night.
A thorough inspection conducted in the presence of independent witnesses and forest officials resulted in the seizure and rescue of three Patagonian Maras, 24 African Spurred Tortoises, and one Albino Burmese Python.
The seized wildlife's estimated worth is around Rs 1.31 crore, according to the spokesman.
The detained individuals were identified as Thawngsuangmunh (26), Biakzapiang (26), and Jeecy Lalnunmawia (31), all of whom are from Khawmawi, Myanmar.
The rescued wildlife, along with the detained individuals, were handed over to the Forest Department in Champhai for further inquiry and legal action.
The Assam Rifles is dedicated to combating illegal wildlife trafficking along the Indo-Myanmar border in accordance with current conservation regulations, as stated in a defense release.
Previously, law enforcement has successfully recovered exotic wildlife species smuggled from Myanmar on several occasions.
Myanmar’s Chin state serves as a center for the trafficking of various drugs, exotic wildlife, and other contraband through six districts in Mizoram: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.
Champhai is notorious for the smuggling of a diverse array of drugs, foreign cigarettes, areca nuts, weapons, and exotic animals and their parts.
The illicit drugs primarily enter India from Myanmar through unauthorized border routes in Mizoram and Manipur, subsequently being smuggled to other northeastern Indian states and neighboring countries, chiefly Bangladesh.
Mizoram shares a 510 km unfenced border with Myanmar and a 318 km border with Bangladesh.
