3 Myanmar Nationals Arrested in Mizoram for Trafficking Exotic Wildlife

AIZAWL: In a huge drive against illicit wildlife trade, three Myanmar nationals were apprehended along the border of Zokhawthar, a business town in Champhai district of Mizoram, for suspected smuggling of various exotic animals.

The arrest on Thursday was a joint operation between the Mizoram Environment, Forests & Climate Change Department and the Assam Rifles after a specific tip-off.

Based on the Champhai Forest Division officials, the animals were being smuggled from Myanmar and kept at Zokhawthar village, which is a established transit area for cross-border smuggling. The accused were Thawngsuangmunh (26), Biakzapiang (26), and Jeecy Lalnunmawia (31), all Myanmar residents.

The raid resulted in the rescue of various exotic animals, such as three Patagonian Maras, 24 African Spurred Tortoises, and one Albino Burmese Python. They are non-native to the area and are very sought after in the illegal pet trade industry. The estimated value of the confiscated wildlife is estimated at approximately Rs 1.31 crore.

The three persons have been arrested under the appropriate clauses of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. They were presented before the judicial magistrate in Champhai and later remanded to judicial custody at the Champhai district jail.

This case follows closely on the heels of another case in adjacent Khawzawl district, in which one Biakchungnunga was detained on March 26 on the charge of hunting a barking deer and a rufous-throated partridge. He has also been charged under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is already behind bars in the same district jail.

Mizoram still struggles with cross-border smuggling issues because of its open border with Myanmar. Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip districts have become major points of entry for contraband such as drugs and exotic wildlife, smuggled from Myanmar's Chin State.

Law enforcement and environmental agencies are making efforts to tackle this increasing threat to biodiversity and wildlife conservation.

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