Aizawl: Three Myanmar nationals were arrested for allegedly trafficking several exotic animals near Mizoram’s Zokhawthar, a trade town in Champhai district, on Thursday.
The exotic animals were rescued during a joint operation by officials from the Mizoram Environment, Forests & Climate Change Department and Assam Rifles following a tip-off.
Champhai forest division officials said that the animals were being smuggled from Myanmar and were kept at Zokhawthar village.
The apprehended individuals were identified as Thawngsuangmunh (26), Biakzapiang (26), and Jeecy Lalnunmawia (31).
During the search operation, the forest team seized and rescued three Patagonian Maras, 24 African Spurred Tortoises, and one Albino Burmese Python.
The estimated value of the seized wildlife is approximately Rs 1.31 crore.
The accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and were produced before the judicial magistrate in Champhai, before being remanded to judicial custody at Champhai district jail.
Previously, officials of the wildlife division of the adjoining Khawzawl district arrested one Biakchungnunga from Khawzawl town for killing a barking deer and a rufous-throated partridge on March 26.
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Biakchungnunga was booked under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is currently imprisoned in Champhai district jail.
Six Mizoram districts—Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip—serve as entry points for contraband smuggled from Myanmar’s Chin State, including drugs and exotic wildlife.
