Malkangiri: In a major breakthrough by the Malkangiri Forest Department, a pangolin smuggling racket was busted near MV-10 village here on Wednesday. Seven persons were arrested in this connection.
Based on information that the accused were planning to smuggle one pangolin worth lakhs of rupees out of country, the Forest Department conducted a raid. The team had received some information about the racket and was keeping a close watch on them.
The weight of the pangolin is 12 kg.
Further investigation into the case is on, informed Malkangiri Forest Ranger. The Special Task Force (STF) of the Odisha Crime Branch arrested six more persons in connection with the pangolin smuggling case at Ambadiha village under Udala police limits in Mayurbhanj district on Monday night.
The accused, who had been absconding, were nabbed during a surprise raid by the STF led by DSP T. R. Patel. An elephant tusk weighing around 500 gm was seized from their possession.
“All the accused will be forwarded to the court after interrogation. Efforts are on to nab others involved in the racket,” said an official.
On December 7, the STF had busted a pangolin smuggling racket with the arrest of four persons from Ambadiha village.
Two pangolins, including a baby, weighing around 13 kg were seized from their possession.
