Three Myanmar nationals were arrested for allegedly trafficking exotic animals near Mizoram’s Zokhawthar, a trade town in Champhai district, on Thursday (April 3, 2025).
A team of Assam Rifles personnel and Mizoram Forest department officials seized the animals and arrested the Myanmar citizens.
Zokhawthar town is on the banks of Tiau river, which forms a part of the 510 km border between Mizoram and Myanmar.
The three Myanmar nationals were trying to cross over to India carrying the animals in concealed containers, a spokesperson of the paramilitary Assam Rifles said.
Mizoram’s wildlife officials said 24 African spurred tortoises, three Patagonian maras, and an albino Burmese python were seized from the traffickers. The Patagonian mara is a hare-like animal found in Argentina.
The estimated value of the seized wildlife is ₹1.31 crore, the spokesperson said.
The apprehended individuals, identified as Thawngsuangmunh (26), Biakzapiang (26), and Jeecy Lalnunmawia (31), are from Khawmawi in the Chin State of Myanmar.
“The rescued animals, along with the apprehended individuals, were handed over to the Forest Department in Champhai for further investigation and legal proceedings,” the spokesperson said.
Myanmar’s Chin State is considered a hub for smuggling of drugs, exotic wildlife, areca nut, gold, and other contraband items through six Mizoram districts — Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.
The drugs from Myanmar through Mizoram and adjoining Manipur are smuggled to other parts of the country and Bangladesh. Most of the exotic animals are destined for southern and western India.
