Friday, September 7, 2012

Pangolin scales seized in Mizoram

More than 386 kg of pangolin scales were seized by the officials of Customs department from Tuirial Airfield village near here, sources said today.

Customs officials said that the scales of pangolin held yesterday would cost more than Rs 2.3 crore in Myanmar where the scales were intended to be smuggled.

Lalchungnunga of south Mizoram's Saiha town, now residing in Zuangtui area in Aizawl, was arrested.

Earlier, Customs officials had seized Rs 37 lakh worth of pangolin scales on September 2 from a man called Manga in Aizawl.

The scales of pangolin, also known as 'scaly anteater', now highly endangered species, are used for making garments and other purposes, officials said.