Two Wildlife Traffickers Arrested in Alipurduar with Pangolin Scales
Alipurduar | November 6:
In a major success against wildlife trafficking, the Jaldapara Forest Division officials carried out a special operation on Thursday and arrested two wildlife traffickers from the Falakata area of Alipurduar district. The forest officials seized 470 grams of pangolin scales during the raid, which was conducted based on a tip-off from a reliable source.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Binod Roy and Purna, both residents of Jalpaiguri district. According to sources, the duo had long been involved with an international wildlife trafficking network and had been planning to smuggle the scales across the border.
Pangolins are listed among the world’s most protected species under international wildlife conservation laws, and the trade of pangolin scales is completely banned. Reports suggest that these scales fetch high prices in the international black market.
During the operation, the forest officials set a pre-planned trap and managed to catch the traffickers red-handed. The seized pangolin scales will be sent for forensic examination to confirm the species.
The two accused are currently being interrogated, and forest officials are investigating the possibility of more people being involved in the smuggling network. The accused will be produced before the court on Friday.
