TURA: Garo Hills policee have unearthed a clandestine smuggling operation involving the sale of illegal ivory by poachers following the seizure of the biggest consignment in recent times in the Garo Hills region.
West Garo Hills police on Saturday intercepted the shipment of the consignment and arrested a smuggler with 13 ivory tusks from close to the border with Bangladesh during a ‘naka’ checking under the Dalu Police station in the district.
Policemen on election duty at a ‘Naka’ point spotted suspicious movements by a motorcyclist as he approached the check point at Dalu area.
The bike was stopped and police were checking the two wheeler when the ivory was discovered.
“After a thorough check, the elephant tusks were found hidden very well in his bag. He has been arrested and the DFO Wildlife informed. A case has also been filed at the Dalu PS,” confirmed superintendent of police, WGH, MGR Kumar.
The arrested smuggler has been identified as one Jacob Marak (33) and is a resident of Wagebokgre under Gasuapara PS in South Garo Hills.
The smuggler informed the police that a buyer from Assam had been contacted and he was on his way to receive the elephant tusks.
“However knowing of the arrest of the smuggler, they prospective smuggler may have fled,” said the SP.
Police have not ruled out an international nexus of ivory smugglers especially with the international border being close by where the transit was to be made between the smuggler and the buyer and efforts are on to arrest others that could be involved in the racket. The 13 ivories have also been seized.
“The case is being taken up under the Wildlife Protection Act and all angles are being looked into. We are hopeful of further breakthroughs,” stated Kumar.
