Is Mizoram becoming a hotbed of smuggling?

Rampant construction of buildings, roads and bridges and other infrastructure projects has become a big threat to wildlife, flora and fauna and the environment at large. Many species of wildlife and birds have either become extinct or fall under the endangered category. Peoples’ greed is another major factor that is threatening wildlife, birds and forests. Smuggling of rare and exotic species of animals and birds have become a common thing and Mizoram seems to be emerging as a smuggling hotspot of not just drugs but also birds and animals.

Mizoram Police have busted a number of smuggling rackets exposing the fact that there has been a spurt in such activities.

LATEST SEIZURES OF EXOTIC ANIMALS IN MIZORAM:

1. In keeping with the Zoramthanga-led Mizoram government’s decision to put an end to this menace, the Mizoram Custom Preventive Force in a recent crack down intercepted a vehicle at a checkpoint near Champhai’s Mualkawi area this morning and seized at 20 exotic animals and birds.
   These include —
   • 4 Marmoset Monkeys
   • 2 Capybara
   • 13 Solomon Cockatoos
   • 1 Macaw Parrot
   It has been suspected that the exotic animals were smuggled from Myanmar through the international border. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
   

2. Among the big breakthroughs include, seizure and rescue of 140 different exotic animals in Champhai district. It was another huge success for the Mizoram Police and the Champhai Excise & Narcotics Department, early in the morning of October 15, when the 140 exotic animals and birds, suspected to be smuggled from Myanmar was rescued. Three vehicles and 3 persons were arrested in connection with the case. The rescued animals included-
Tortoise – 30
Monkey – 2
Marmoset monkey -2
Python – 22
Sumatran Water Monitor –
Crocodile (Hatchlings) – 55
Flame powerbird – 4
Servel cat – 4
Marmoset – 2
Albino wallaby – 1

3. On the night of 24.9.2022, alert and vigilant Saiphai Police Outpost (Kolasib District) team recovered and rescued 19 exotic wildlife species, being illegally smuggled in a vehicle. Rescued species included – 6 gibbons, 3 small monkeys and 10 different reptiles. 2 person hailing from Assam were arrested in connection with the case.

4. On 16.9.2022, Khawzawl Police at Tuisenphai Check gate rescued 3 exotic wildlife species, suspected to be smuggled from Myanmar from a vehicle. 2 persons were also arrested in connection with the case. Rescued species include 2 spider monkeys (female with a baby) and 1 Indri Lemur.

In the month of September, the Mizoram Police had seized the largest consignment of exotic animals so far. The seizure took place at Chalbawiha Junction near the check gate. 5 persons were arrested in connection with the case.
The seized animals included-
442 Lizards
11 Snakes
4 Three-toed Sloths
4 Tortoises
4 Pottos (a primate found in tropical Africa)
2 Beavers
1 Wild Cat

IS CHAMPHAI MORE VULNERABLE?
The strategic Khankawn check gate is located on National Highway 6, which connects Champhai with capital Aizawl, and is approximately 30 kilometres from the Indo-Myanmar border. Surrounded by forests on both sides, smugglers always try to take this route since it is very near to the border.
The gravity of the situation can be gauged from the fact that there as an emerging trend of smuggling exotic species found in Africa, Australia and South America India via Myanmar, which is clearly evident from the seizures made in the recent past.