Exotic wild animals recovered from smugglers in Mizoram

In May, the Mizoram Police rescued 468 smuggled exotic wildlife animals from the Champhai district bordering Myanmar and arrested five people

At least nine exotic wild animals were recovered from Vairengte in Mizoram while being smuggled to Assam, a police officer said.

Police said they were trying to find out where the animals were smuggled from. (HT PHOTO)

Vairengte police station in charge H Lalchawimawia said the rescued animals include two Capybara and seven grey monkeys. He added they also arrested two men identified as John Lalramnghaka, 39, and his accomplice Lalremruata, 20, for transporting the animals on Wednesday.

Lalchawimawia said they were trying to find out where the animals were smuggled from and that they will be handed over to central agencies.

In May, the Mizoram Police rescued 468 smuggled exotic wildlife animals from the Champhai district bordering Myanmar and arrested five people. The rescued animals included four tortoises, 11 snakes, 442 lizards, four-toed sloths, two beavers, one wild cat, and four pattos.

At least 94 exotic species, including 29 leopard tortoises, 38 red-footed tortoises, 3 albino iguana, and 2 pythons, were rescued in Mizoram from February 2021 to July 2022.