Guwahati: Continuing its drive against the illegal wildlife trade, Mizoram’s Champhai Police have seized and recovered as many as 140 exotic animals and birds, suspected to be smuggled from neighbouring country Myanmar.

Acting on a specific input, Champhai Police along with Champhai Excise & Narcotics Department carried out this operation in the early morning hours on Saturday.

The police also arrested three illegal traffickers and seized three vehicles (2 Bolero & 1 Scorpio) during the operation.

The arrested persons were identified as Lalremruata (38) son of Rorela of Vengthlang, Champhai, Tinkhuma (38) son of Lalbuanga of Venglai, Champhai and E.Lalmuanpuia (29) son of Lallawmzuala of Venglai, Champhai.  

Meanwhile, the Mizoram police rescued the following species from the clutches of illegal traffickers:

1) Tortoise – 30 nos

2) Monkey – 2 nos

3) Marmoset monkey -2 nos

4) Python – 22 nos

5) Sumatran Water Monitor -18 nos

6) Crocodile (Hatchlings) – 55 nos

7) Flame powerbird – 4 nos

8) Servel cat – 4 nos

9) Marmoset – 2 nos

10) Albino wallaby – 1 nos.

The said exotic animals & birds along with the vehicles were handed over to Superintendent, Custom Preventive Force, Champhai for further legal action.

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