Guwahati Police Bust Reptile Smuggling Operation; 26 Geckos Freed, 2 Arrested

A major wildlife smuggling attempt was foiled in Guwahati after police rescued 26 live geckos that had allegedly been hidden inside bamboo tubes for illegal transportation. The operation was conducted in the Betkuchi area on Friday evening following specific intelligence inputs received by law enforcement authorities about suspected wildlife trafficking activity in the city.

According to officials, a police team carried out a raid at around 8:00 pm after acting on a tip-off. During the operation, two suspects were arrested and identified as Md. Ikramul Hussain from Nagaon district and Md. Jamiruddin from Barpeta district in Assam. Investigators believe the reptiles were being transported as part of an organized illegal wildlife trade network operating in the region.

Police said the geckos had been concealed inside 26 bamboo tubes locally known as "sunga." Each tube was wrapped with netting and cotton cloth in an attempt to avoid detection during transportation. Upon inspection, officers discovered one live gecko inside every bamboo container. The rescued animals were later handed over to the concerned authorities for safe handling and further examination.

Also Read: EasyJet Flight EZY2618 Rerouted to Rome Over Prohibited Power Bank in Checked Bag

Wildlife trafficking remains a serious concern in Northeast India due to the region’s biodiversity and proximity to international borders. Geckos are frequently targeted by smugglers because of false beliefs regarding their medicinal and commercial value in illegal markets across parts of Asia. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to trace the origin and intended destination of the consignment and to determine whether more individuals are linked to the smuggling operation.

Also Read: Former IPS Chief Blasts Eviction of Delhi's Most Storied Sporting Institution