Assam’s Barpeta district witnessed a major wildlife trafficking bust on Tuesday as authorities seized more than 220 kg of pangolin scales from a passenger train. Three individuals, including a woman, were arrested in connection with the seizure, officials said.

C. Ramesh, Field Director of Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve, stated that the contraband was being transported from Chennai to Guwahati. The operation was conducted by a joint team of personnel from Manas National Park, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Shastra Seema Bal (SSB), and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) at Barpeta Road railway station, acting on specific intelligence.

Described as one of the largest seizures in the region, the incident underscores the ongoing threat of illegal wildlife trade. Ramesh emphasized that the coordinated action reflects the commitment of enforcement agencies to tackle trafficking of endangered species, including pangolins, among the world’s most trafficked mammals.