Wildlife Crime Control Bureau Team In Odisha To Probe Pangolin Smuggling Cases

Cuttack: A team of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) reached Odisha today to investigate pangolin smuggling cases & ascertain whether the racket has any international links, informed Athagarh DFO Sasmita Lenka.

As per reports, around 10 persons have been arrested on charges of smuggling pangolins in Athagarh area in the last few days.

After interrogation of the accused, international links were established and it was found that the smugglers used code words to execute the operation. Based on the evidence gathered during interrogation, the WCCB team has come to Odisha for further investigation and will also interrogate the accused  if required for which Forest department has sought court's permission.

Speaking about the investigation to be conducted by the WCCB team, Lenka said, "Only after a detailed investigation by the WCCB, all the details including the people involved in the smuggling and its foreign links will be revealed."

A few days back, officials of Athagarh Forest Division in Cuttack district busted an online pangolin smuggling racket following which eight persons were arrested. Huge quantity of pangolin scales were also recovered from their possession.