Guwahati, Sep 20 (PTI): A suspected trafficker has been arrested and 30 tokay geckos were rescued from Assam’s Golaghat district, Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said on Sunday.
The rescued lizards have been released back in the wild after necessary legal procedures, he said.
Mallabaruah, in a post on social media, said acting on specific intelligence on September 17, personnel of the Bokakhat Range under the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, in coordination with officers of Dimapur Customs (Preventive) Division, intercepted an alleged wildlife trafficking attempt at Garmur in Golaghat.
“During the operation, 30 live tokay geckos were seized and one person… was arrested in connection with the seizure,” the minister said.
He said investigation is underway to ascertain the source and intended destination of the consignment, and to identify any other accused.
“Most importantly, following due legal procedure and after obtaining the necessary approval of the Hon’ble Court, all 30 rescued tokay geckos were safely released back into their natural habitat,” Mallabaruah said.
“Our message remains unequivocal: Assam’s wildlife is not for sale. We will continue to act firmly against illegal wildlife trafficking while ensuring that rescued animals are given every opportunity to return safely to the wild,” he asserted.
