A major wildlife smuggling attempt was foiled in Guwahati after police recovered 26 rare Tokay Gecko near Basistha and arrested two alleged smugglers during a late-night operation.
The operation was carried out by Gorchuk Police based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the illegal transportation of protected wildlife species.
According to sources, the tokay geckos were brought to Guwahati on a motorcycle from Karbi Anglong and were allegedly being prepared for transportation outside the state through the ISBT area. Police intercepted the accused before the animals could be moved further.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Ikramul Hussain and Jamiruddin.
Investigators said the seized tokay geckos have a high value in the illegal wildlife trade market, estimated at more than Rs 10 lakh each. The total estimated value of the recovered animals is believed to be around Rs 3 crore.
To avoid detection, the geckos were reportedly hidden inside bamboo tubes in a carefully planned manner.
The incident has raised concern among authorities, as trafficking of rare wildlife species is considered a serious offence under wildlife protection laws. Police have launched a further investigation to determine whether a larger interstate wildlife trafficking network is linked to the case.
Officials confirmed that the rescued tokay geckos have been handed over to the forest department for proper care and legal procedures.