Guwahati, Jan 3: Forest authorities have dealt a significant blow to illegal wildlife trade with the recovery of a large cache of animal body parts from Halowating, a vulnerable border zone along the Assam–Nagaland boundary. The seizure was made during a coordinated operation that underscored growing concerns over wildlife trafficking in the region.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team comprising the Amguri and Halowating Range Forest Officers carried out the operation with strategic support from the Guwahati-based Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. The raid resulted in the recovery of two leopard skins along with a sizeable quantity of tiger bones, teeth and claws, pointing to the scale and seriousness of the illicit activity.
One suspected poacher, identified as Imchil Ib Ao, was arrested in connection with the seizure. Forest officials have estimated the value of the confiscated wildlife contraband to be over Rs 10 lakh, highlighting the high stakes involved in the illegal trade of endangered species.
Preliminary findings suggest that wildlife trafficking has been operating in the border area for a considerable period, exploiting its sensitive geography and porous terrain. Authorities have launched further investigations to trace the broader network behind the racket and to identify other individuals involved.
Forest officials said the operation reflects intensified enforcement efforts against wildlife crime and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting endangered species while dismantling trafficking networks operating across state borders.
