Acting on casual information to the effect that foreign origin animal is supposed to be transported from Assam to Siliguri on May 8, 2022 in a Siliguri bound bus (No. AS19C-937), the officers of Jalpaiguri Preventive unit of Commissioner of Customs Preventive, West Bengal moved out towards Mainaguri area and after waiting for  some time the bus was spotted on the highway in Mainaguri area. 

The bus was intercepted on May 9, 2022 at 3:30 AM in Mainaguri area. On searching the bus thoroughly three cage containing four monkeys believed to be of foreign origin and is assumed to have been smuggled from China or Bangkok or Australia to be sent to the Middle East countries were found kept in lower base dyke of the bus. When enquired about the ownership of said animals, no one came forward to claim.

Meanwhile, the bus driver and the khalasi fled away taking advantage of darkness. Since, the bus was full of passengers, considering the safety and security of the passengers, the Jalpaiguri Customs Officers managed a local driver and the bus along with the animals was brought to Siliguri.

Thereafter, the Customs officers contacted the Office of the Director of North Bengal Wild Park, Bengal Safari, Salugara, Siliguri. Accordingly, the animals were taken by the Customs officers to Bengal Safari to whom the animals were handed over.

Before handing over, the said animals were  seized under section 110 of Customs Act, 1962 valued Rs. 1,10,00,000/-. (approx. valuation ascertained by forest officials) for illegal import of wild life into India in violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 read with Section 111 of the Customs Act, 1962.  Further investigation is in progress.

Source :PIB ,Kolkata, May 11, 2022