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🇮🇳 India /Crime & Justice

Two suspected smugglers arrested with 26 rare Tokay Geckos: Assam Police

From Hindustan Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Assam Police arrested two suspected smugglers in Guwahati, seizing 26 rare Tokay Geckos believed to be worth approximately ₹3 crore.
  • The geckos, locally known as Keko, were found packed in bamboo tubes, indicating a sophisticated smuggling operation originating from Karbi Anglong.
  • The arrested individuals are under interrogation to uncover potential links to a larger interstate wildlife trafficking network, as Tokay Geckos are a protected species.

Authorities in Assam's Guwahati have apprehended two individuals suspected of smuggling 26 rare Tokay Geckos, a protected species under Indian wildlife laws. The reptiles, locally called Keko, were discovered concealed within bamboo tubes during a police operation on Friday night in the Betkuchi area.

Officers acted on specific intelligence, intercepting the suspects who had transported the geckos from Karbi Anglong on a motorcycle. The plan was to move the animals out of Assam via another vehicle. The meticulous packing of each gecko in a bamboo tube, wrapped with netting and cotton, suggests a well-organized smuggling attempt designed to evade detection.

The arrested smugglers, identified as Md. Ikramul Hussain from Nagaon district and Md. Jamiruddin from Barpeta district, are currently being interrogated. Police aim to determine if they are part of a broader interstate wildlife trafficking ring. The high demand for Tokay Geckos in illegal markets means each can fetch over ₹10 lakh, placing the value of the seized consignment close to ₹3 crore.

Forest officials confirmed the protected status of the Tokay Gecko and the seriousness of the smuggling offense. The rescued reptiles have been transferred to the forest department for care and subsequent legal proceedings. The investigation is ongoing to dismantle any larger networks involved in this illicit trade.

The reptiles were packed in a highly concealed manner, indicating a planned smuggling operation.

— OfficersDescribing the method used to pack the Tokay Geckos for transport.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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