Smuggling of Tokay Geckos foiled
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Moreh, March 14 2013:
Troops of 9 Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ 26 Assam Rifle/HQ IGAR (South) have prevented smuggling of three Tokay Geckos from Moreh to Imphal today.
The troops established a permanent vehicle check post at Khudengthabi today and seized three Tokay Geckos from the possession of one Jiten Nongthongbam (42) s/o Khommei Nongthongbam of Kairembikhok Khunou, Thoubal district.
He was smuggling the endangered species in small bamboo cages hidden in his personal baggage.
The cost of the three Tokay Geckos is estimated to about Rs 1.20.000/ in local market but it would cost more in the International market.
The hunting and trading of Tokay Geckos is prohibited under Wild Life Protection Act and it has been included in the list of endangered species due to it being smuggled to China /Southeast Asian countries for medicinal value.
The three seized Tokay Geckos along with arrested person have been handed over to the office of the Wild Life Department at Imphal.