Assam Rifles, in coordination with the Forest Department, Champhai, intercepted an attempt to smuggle exotic wildlife and apprehended three Myanmar nationals near Crossing Point Four (Robert Kai), Zokhawthar, Champhai district, on April 2, 2025.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, Assam Rifles launched a joint operation with the Forest Department and intercepted three individuals crossing from Myanmar into India with concealed containers.
A spot check conducted in the presence of independent witnesses and forest officials led to the rescue of three Patagonian Maras, 24 African Spurred Tortoises, and one Albino Burmese Python. The estimated value of the seized wildlife is approximately ₹1.31 crore.
The apprehended individuals, identified as Thawngsuangmunh (26), Biakzapiang (26), and Jeecy Lalnunmawia (31), are all Myanmarese nationals from Khawmawi.
The rescued wildlife and the apprehended individuals were handed over to the Forest Department, Champhai, for further investigation and legal proceedings.
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