GUWAHATI : A suspected transnational wildlife trafficking network has been busted by Assam Police, leading to the arrest of nine people and rescue of endangered Golden Langurs in Chirang district, an official statement said on Saturday.

The arrests and rescue were made by the Special Task Force (STF) of the state police on Friday night, it said.

Acting on specific information regarding illegal trafficking of Golden Langurs, STF launched the operation with the assistance of Chirang Police.

“During the intervening night of 19th and 20th June, STF, Assam apprehended nine wildlife traffickers and rescued eight Golden Langurs from their possession at Bamungaon Road under Sidli Police Station in Chirang district,” the statement said.

The rescued Golden Langurs are an endangered species notified under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, with an estimated black market value of around Rs 16 lakh.

The STF said the animals were captured from the Ultapani area of Kokrajhar district and were being trafficked through local intermediaries in Chirang for delivery to prospective buyers.

During the operation, two vehicles, 13 mobile phones and documents were seized.

STF, Assam, has lodged a formal complaint before the Forest Range Officer, Runikhata Range under Chirang Wildlife Division and handed over the arrested persons, rescued Golden Langurs and seized articles to them for necessary legal action and further investigation into the organised interstate and transnational wildlife trafficking network, the statement said. (Source: PTI)