Lataguri, 03rd April: In a significant breakthrough, the forest personnel of Lataguri Range have arrested two individuals with two elephant tusks and foiled a smuggling bid. The arrested accused have been identified as Yaska Dukpa, a resident of Alipurduar, and Wangdi, a resident of Bhutan.
Reportedly, on Tuesday, two elephant tusks weighing about 5.5 kg were recovered from a scooter in Jhajhangi area adjacent to Maynaguri.
According to forest department sources, an operation was launched, based on a tip-off, led by Lataguri Ranger Sanjay Dutta. During the operation, two individuals were arrested with two elephant tusks. Additionally, a two-wheeler used in the smuggling was also seized. During the interrogation, the accused admitted smuggling ivory to other countries via Bhutan. On Wednesday, both the accused were produced before the Jalpaiguri court.