Primates seized in Assam

Two persons have been arrested for trying to smuggle seven primates in a truck in Assam's Hailakandi district, a top police officer said.

Hailakandi (Assam) : Two persons have been arrested for trying to smuggle seven primates in a truck in Assam's Hailakandi district, a top police officer said. The vehicle was coming from neighbouring Mizoram when it was intercepted on Monday night.

Hailakandi superintendent of police Navneet Mahanta said the truck had jumped a signal for checking at Ramnathpur near the Assam-Mizoram border.
On being alerted, personnel of Jamira Police Station erected a naka' (check-point) and intercepted the truck. The animals were recovered while searching the vehicle, Mahanta said.

The driver and the handyman of the truck have been arrested, the SP said. Veterinary doctors were called in to examine the animals which were later handed to the forest department. "The animals would be worth several crores in the international market. We are investigating the matter," the officer added. PTI