EMN
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 27
IN a major breakthrough against illegal wildlife trade in the Northeast region, the sleuth of Nagaland Excise department apprehended a woman at Khuzama check gate for illegal possession of 14 elephant tusks while being transported from Shillong to Imphal. The accused, identified as Ching Zou, along with the seized items were later handed over to the Forest department officials by Superintendent of Excise, Kohima, Katoho Sumi, on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, ACF Beizo Suokhrie has acknowledged the Excise department, particularly the Superintendent of Excise Katoho Sumi and Inspector of Excise Neiziezolie Angami for their pro-activeness in the case. He hoped that the seizure may lead to busting of the network of illegal wildlife trade that is suspected to be taking place in the region.
In this regard, a case has been registered with Khuzama Police Station under the relevant sections of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Elephant being a schedule I animal under the Act, illegal possession of ivory tusk is an offence under section 40(II) and 44 of the Act, which is punishable with imprisonment of 3-7 years, Kohima Forest Range said in a release today.
