Acting on a tip-off, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) sleuths seized at least 26 exotic birds from the general area of Khamrang village in Mozoram’s Kolasib district.
According to media reports, the seized birds include Emu, Pigeon, Whit Cockatoo (yellow crested) and Crown Head.
It has been reported that as per preliminary investigation it has come to light that the birds were smuggled from Myanmar and the smugglers planned to supply the consignment to Kerala.
The market value of the exotic birds has been estimated to be worth Rs 28 lakh.
The 26 exotic birds were rescued following a joint operation by the Border Security Force and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence sleuths.
The operation was carried out on the basis of specific information regarding the smuggling bid.
Acting on a tip-off, an ambush was laid on Saturday evening hours on the approach road from Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram, in the general area of Khamrang in Kolasib district.
A report quoting an official statement said at about 9 pm, two suspected vehicles were stopped.
Later, a total of 8 people were nabbed by the joint operating team as they failed to get satisfactory answers and documents from them in support of carrying the 26 wooden boxes containing exotic birds.
It has been reported that out of the 8 people, four were from Kerala while the other apprehended smugglers were from Mizoram.