A major wildlife trafficking attempt was thwarted in Guwahati after police rescued 26 Tokay Gecko and arrested two suspected smugglers during a late-night operation near Basistha.
The operation was conducted by Gorchuk Police following specific intelligence inputs regarding the illegal movement of protected wildlife species.
According to sources, the geckos had allegedly been brought to Guwahati on a motorcycle from Karbi Anglong and were being prepared for transport outside the state through the ISBT area. Police intercepted the accused before the consignment could be moved further.
The arrested individuals were identified as Ikramul Hussain from Nagaon and Jamiruddin from Barpeta.
Investigators said the seized tokay geckos are considered highly valuable in illegal wildlife markets, with estimates placing the value of each at over ₹10 lakh. The total estimated value of the recovered animals was put at around ₹3 crore.
Police said the animals had been hidden inside bamboo tubes in an apparent attempt to avoid detection during transportation.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over illegal wildlife trafficking activities in the region, with authorities treating the matter as a serious offence under wildlife protection laws. Officials have launched further investigations to determine whether the accused have links to a larger trafficking network.
The rescued geckos have been handed over to the forest department for care and further legal procedures.
