STF busts cross- border wildlife trafficking ring in Assam, rescues 8 Golden Langurs

Guwahati, June 20: The Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police has dismantled an alleged international wildlife trafficking network in Chirang district, rescuing eight endangered golden langurs and arresting nine suspected traffickers, including a Bangladeshi national.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, STF personnel from Guwahati, assisted by Sidli Police, launched a late-night operation along National Highway-27 in the Sidli area of Chirang. During the raid, officials intercepted a Mahindra Scorpio and a Tata Nano suspected of being used to transport illegally captured wildlife.

A search of the vehicles led to the recovery of eight live golden langurs—one of India’s rarest and most endangered primate species. Another langur was found dead, underscoring the brutal conditions in which the animals were allegedly being trafficked.

Police arrested nine individuals from the two vehicles. Preliminary investigations revealed the group comprised one Bangladeshi national, five residents of West Bengal and three from Assam, pointing to the existence of an interstate and cross-border wildlife trafficking syndicate.

Investigators suspect the langurs were illegally captured from the recently notified Chikna Jwhwlao National Park in Chirang district. Sources indicated that local encroachers allegedly involved in forest destruction may have supplied the animals to traffickers operating in the region.

The rescued primates have been handed over to forest authorities for medical care and rehabilitation. Meanwhile, STF officials have begun questioning the accused to trace the wider network behind the smuggling operation.
Authorities said further raids are underway to identify and apprehend other members of the racket.

The seizure has renewed concerns over the growing threat posed by organised wildlife trafficking networks targeting Assam’s unique biodiversity. Conservationists have long warned that endangered species such as the golden langur remain vulnerable to habitat loss, encroachment and illegal wildlife trade despite legal protections.
Officials described the operation as a significant breakthrough in efforts to curb wildlife crime in the Northeast and protect one of the region’s most iconic species.

Also Read: NNPGs slam NPF for ‘sabotaging’ Naga peace process, reject oil exploration MoU with Assam

Also Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Hid Foundation Shillong appreciates Meghalaya government for sports growth under ministership of Wailadmiki Shylla