On October 15, 2022, Mizoram police, in collaboration with the Champhai Excise and Narcotics Department, confiscated and rescued 140 exotic animals and birds suspected of being trafficked from Myanmar.

Along with the seized animals, the police also arrested three people- Lalremruata (38), Tinkhuma (38) and E.Lalmuanpuia (29).

At the location, police officers also confiscated three vehicles- two Bolero and one Scorpio.

30 tortoises, 2 monkeys, 2 Marmoset monkeys, 22 Pythons, 18 Sumatran Water Monitor, 55 crocodiles (hatchlings), 4 Flame power birds, 4 Servel cats, and one Albino Wallaby were among the rescued wild animals.

The rescued animals were turned over to the Customs Preventive Force in Champhai while an investigation is being carried out.

"We are committed to protect wildlife at all costs. Kudos to Team #Champhai for another huge success in seizure and rescue of exotic wildlife species. Acting jointly with Champhai Excise & Narcotics Department, early this morning, #ChamphaiPolice seized and rescued 140 exotic," the Mizoram police tweeted.

We are committed to protect wildlife at all costs. Kudos to Team #Champhai for another huge success in seizure and rescue of exotic wildlife species. Acting jointly with Champhai Excise & Narcotics Department, early this morning, #ChamphaiPolice seized and rescued 140 exotic pic.twitter.com/KUHuXKW5VJ

— Mizoram Police (@mizorampolice) October 15, 2022

Earlier, in September 2022, a team of Mizoram police rescued 19 exotic wildlife species that were being unlawfully imported in a vehicle (Maruti Wagon R).

The rescued animals in September included six Gibbons, three small monkeys, and ten reptiles.

The police also arrested four people- Birhan Uddin Laskar (24), Kamal Hussain (34), Abdul Ruf(25), and Niaz Hussain (21).

From February 2021 to July 2022, at least 94 exotic animals have been rescued in Mizoram, including 29 leopard tortoises, 38 red-footed tortoises, 3 albino iguanas, and 2 pythons.

ALSO READ | Meritorious Mizoram Police Personnel Awarded