Security forces in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district intercepted a vehicle carrying 24 smuggled Ibex, an exotic species of wild mountain goats, allegedly being transported illegally from Myanmar into the state. Two persons have been arrested in connection with the case, officials said on Tuesday.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, security personnel stopped a four-wheeler DI vehicle bearing registration number MN-02B-8290 on February 22. The vehicle was heading towards Pallel when it was intercepted. During inspection, officials found 24 live Ibex concealed inside the vehicle.
Authorities said the animals are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and their illegal transportation is a serious offence. The condition of the animals is being monitored, and they have been handed over to the Forest Department.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Md Kalim (35) of Mayai Leikai in Kakching district, and another occupant, Md Sabir Khan (19) of Phundrei in Thoubal district, were taken into custody at the spot. Officials said both individuals failed to produce any valid documents for transporting the protected species.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the animals were smuggled through the porous Indo-Myanmar border. Security agencies said the border route has increasingly been used for illegal wildlife trade and other smuggling activities.
In recent months, surveillance has been intensified in border districts of Manipur following inputs about the trafficking of exotic and endangered species. Officials said the latest seizure points to an organised attempt to move wildlife across state and international borders.
The arrested individuals, along with the seized animals and the vehicle used in the operation, have been handed over to the Forest Department for further legal action. Authorities are now probing the wider network behind the smuggling attempt and are examining whether the consignment was linked to a larger interstate or international wildlife trafficking racket.
