Guwahati: As many as 140 exotic wildlife species suspected to have been smuggled to Myanmar were rescued from three vehicles in Champhai district of Mizoram on Saturday.
Champhai police along with Excise & Narcotics Department in a joint operation intercepted three vehicles (2 Boleros and 1 Scorpio) and rescued the wild animals.
Three persons were arrested in connection to the seizure.
The arrestees identified as Lalemruata (38), Tinkhuma (38) and E. Lalmuanpuia.
The rescued wild animals include – 30 tortoises, 2 monkeys, 2 Marmoset monkey, 22 Pythons, 18 Sumatran Water Monitor, 55 crocodiles (hatchlings), 4 Flame powerbirds, 4 Servel cats, and one Albino Wallaby.
Later, they claimed that the vehicles, rare animals, and birds had been handed to Superintendent Champhai of the Custom Preventive Force for further legal proceedings.