The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has seized horn and Tokkey Gecko worth Rs 35 crores in international market from Siliguri area in West Bengal. These Tokkey Gecko and Rhino Horn were to be smuggled from India to China through Bhutan. These are used for preparing medicines in China. Tokkey and Rhino are found in Jaldapara forest and Buxa Tiger reserve and are smuggled through the route of Alipurdwar, West Bengal, India to Bhutan and from Bhutan these are sent to China.
“During preliminary interrogation it was revealed by arrested persons that they usually get Rs 5 to 20 lakhs per Tokkey as per weight and size. However valuation of Tokkey and Rhino as calculated by forest officials according to international market rate is Rs 35 crores,” said a SSB official.
According to a Press release from SSB, the apprehended persons Dhiren Barman and Dhalu Barman were handed over to Jaldapara south, forest office Alipurdwar (WB).
“Along with the regular duty of guarding the borders, the SSB plays an important role in protecting the flora and fauna along international borders. Smuggling of forest produce and wildlife is a major crime in the area of responsibilities of SSB.
The SSB is mandated to guard 1751 kms long Indo-Nepal and 699 kms long Indo-Bhutan international borders, which also involves prevention of smuggling along the border areas including the smuggling of forest produce and wildlife. Beside this SSB is also mandated to check the cross border crime.