Guwahati, 23 May (HS): In a significant crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking, Assam Police rescued 26 rare and endangered Tokay Geckos during a late-night operation in Guwahati and arrested two suspected smugglers involved in the interstate wildlife trade network.

Police sources said the operation was carried out near the Basistha area after receiving specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of exotic reptiles. The accused were reportedly transporting the geckos towards the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) with plans to smuggle them outside the state.

Investigators revealed that the reptiles were being carried on a motorcycle from Karbi Anglong, which has emerged as one of the major transit routes used by wildlife trafficking syndicates operating across the Northeast region.

The seizure is being viewed as a major success for Assam Police in its continued drive against organised wildlife crimes. Tokay Geckos, highly valued in illegal international markets, are frequently targeted by smugglers due to myths surrounding their medicinal and commercial value.

Police have launched further investigation to trace the larger network linked to the smuggling racket and identify possible interstate connections behind the trafficking attempt.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash