Security forces in Tengnoupal district of Manipur intercepted a vehicle carrying 24 smuggled Ibex—an exotic species of wild mountain goats—allegedly transported illegally from Myanmar into the state. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, security personnel stopped a four-wheeler (Registration No. MN-02B-8290) on February 22 while it was heading towards Pallel. Upon inspection, officials discovered 24 live Ibex concealed inside the vehicle. The animals are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, and their illegal transportation constitutes a serious offence.
The driver, identified as Md Kalim (35) from Kakching district, and the occupant, Md Sabir Khan (19) from Thoubal district, were immediately taken into custody. Officials stated that the duo failed to produce any valid documents authorising the transport of the protected species.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the animals were smuggled across the porous Indo-Myanmar border, a route increasingly exploited for illegal wildlife trade. Security agencies have intensified surveillance in border districts amid rising concerns over trafficking of exotic and endangered species.
The arrested individuals, along with the rescued animals and the seized vehicle, have been handed over to the Forest Department for further legal proceedings. Authorities are now probing a possible wider network behind the smuggling attempt, including whether the consignment was part of an organised interstate or international wildlife trafficking racket.
