Wild Life Criminals; Pangolin Scales Seized by STF

Odishabarta

Bhubaneswar:On the basis of reliable information, STF team conducted a raid with the help of Balasore Forest Division near village Natapada under Berhampur PS under Balasore district about a deal of sale of Pangolin scales by wild life criminals today i.e. on Monday, as a result of which two accused persons namely Manibhadra Samal S/O Lt. Jadunath Samal vill. Natapada PO-Matiali PS-Berhampur, Dist. Balasore and Choudhury Singh S/O-Lt. Radhu Singh Vill. Bandhasahi, PO-Kalakada, PS-Berhampur Dist. Balasore were apprehended.

 During search 03 kg pangolin scales and other incriminating materials were seized from their possession. The accused persons could not produce any valid authority in support of possession of pangolin scales, for which they have detained and handed over to forest officials for necessary legal action at their end. Investigation is on.

During last one year, Special driver against the wildlife criminals/ poachers have been launched, STF has seized as many as 15 nos Leopard skin, 09 nos Elephant Tusk, 02 deer skin, 03 live pangolin and 13 kg pangolin scales and arrested 29 wild life criminals.

STF is the specialized wing of Odisha Police to curb the organized crime in the State. Wild life crimes remain the one of the focus area of STF and STF will continue its drive against the wild life crime and criminals