AIZAWL: In a significant victory against wildlife trafficking, the Mizoram police intercepted a vehicle near the state border with Tripura on Thursday, rescuing approximately 24 exotic animals.
The operation unfolded at the Kanhmun police check post, where a maxi cab traveling between Aizawl and Agartala was stopped for inspection.
Upon thorough examination, law enforcement officials discovered 18 snakes, four turtles, and two monkeys concealed inside the vehicle.
Confirming the details of the operation, Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, Inspector General of Police, stated that the rescued exotic animals were promptly handed over to the Range Officer of the Kanhmun Forest Department in Mizoram for necessary legal action.
Further investigation revealed that the driver and owner of the vehicle, identified as Chawngthanmawi from the Amapur district of Tripura, confessed to transporting the exotic animals on behalf of one Binoi Molsom, also known as Sanga Molsom.
Molsom had dispatched the parcels from Zodin Bus Stand in Aizawl, instructing Chawngthanmawi to deliver them to Sumo at Zo Sumo Travels Counter in Samuli Bazar, Agartala.
Subsequently, Molsom, a 34-year-old resident of Bakbasa in North Tripura, was apprehended by the police team for further investigation.
The incident brings to fore the growing challenge of illegal wildlife trade along the Mizoram-Tripura border, with security forces increasingly vigilant in curbing such activities.
This is not the first instance of wildlife smuggling in the region.
On March 13, Tripura Police apprehended two individuals attempting to smuggle five rare species of turtles and tortoises near the Tripura-Mizoram border.
The operation, conducted in Jampui Hill, resulted in the discovery of two large sea turtles and three tortoises being transported illegally through the Mizoram border.
The Mizoram police remain committed to thwarting such illicit activities and preserving the rich biodiversity of the region, a statement from the police added.
