In one of the largest such seizures in Mizoram, around 210 kg of suspected manta ray gill plates worth an estimated Rs 2.3 crore were seized in Champhai district.
Gill plates are cartilaginous filtering structures found in the mouths of manta ray fish. Prized in parts of Asia for use in traditional medicine, they have become a lucrative wildlife product, contributing to increased exploitation.
In an official statement, police said the Champhai Police Special Task Force intercepted a Bolero Maxx (AS-01-TC-8784) on suspicion while proceeding towards Champhai. The vehicle was driven by Rajiv Hussein Laskar (26) and accompanied by Jinuk Uddin Laskar (30), both residents of Silchar, Assam.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of nine bags weighing approximately 210 kg of suspected dehydrated Manta Ray/Mobula gill plates, concealed inside the vehicle. The seized consignment has an estimated international black-market value of approximately Rs 2.30 crore and is believed to be one of the largest such seizures in Mizoram.
As the recovered items are suspected to be from species protected under wildlife laws, the seized contraband, vehicle, and the two accused have been handed over to the Divisional Forest Officer, Champhai Forest Division, for scientific examination and further legal action under the relevant provisions of law, police said.
