India: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Sunday apprehended two persons for illegal smuggling of Rhino horn, Tokay gecko and Reindeer horn from India to China. After receiving specific information on June 3, the SSB Simlabari, under FTR Siliguri, seized one Rhino horn weighing 145gms, four Tokay Gecko and one Reindeer horn.The apprehended persons Dhiren Barman and Dhalu Barman were handed over to Jaldapara south, forest office Alipurdwar.

Along with the regular duty of guarding the borders, the SSB plays an important role in protecting the floura and fauna. Smuggling of forest produce and wildlife is a major crime which comes under the responsibilities of the SSB.

These Tokay Gecko and Rhino horn were to be smuggled from India to China through Bhutan. These are used for preparing medicines in China. Tokay and Rhino are found in Jaldapara forest and Buxa Tiger reserve and are smuggled through the route of Alipurdwar, West Bengal to Bhutan. From Bhutan they are sent to China.

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. Besides this, the SSB is also mandated to check the cross border crime.

The SSB had earlier made seizures of Tokay Gecko and seized two jars of snake venom in the May 2017.

(Source: India Today)