Northeast Desk, 1st February: In a collaborative effort, Mizoram Police and the Champhai Forest Department successfully seized and rescued 49 exotic animals and birds in Champhai, believed to have been smuggled from the India-Myanmar border side. The operation, conducted with specific information, involved a combined team of Assam Rifles and the Forest Department.
Exotic animals and birds, valued at Rs 68.40 lakh, were concealed in iron cages and plastic baskets during transportation from the India-Myanmar border on the Aizawl side. The entire consignment and the arrested individuals, identified as Vachonia from Tuipang Siaha district, and Vanlalthlana and Zemabawk from Aizawl, have been handed over to the Forest Department, Champhai, for further legal proceedings.
The rescued animals comprise 10 Solomon Cockatoos, 2 Posque’s Parrots, 9 Turtles, 10 Snakes, 16 Lizards, and 2 Marmoset Monkeys. The operation marks a significant step in combating wildlife smuggling and upholding the protection of exotic species in the region.