GUWAHATI: Assam Police rescued 11 Tokay Geckos, reportedly valued at over ₹60 lakh in the illegal market. The operation was carried out on Saturday, April 12, following a tip-off from the Wildlife Justice Commission South Asia, in coordination with the STF Assam and Dibrugarh Police.
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Three individuals involved in the trafficking were arrested during the operation, and vehicles used in the transportation of the geckos were also seized. The lizards, which are highly sought after for their perceived medicinal properties, are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Assam Police stated on X that the rescued geckos would soon be released back into their natural habitat.
₹60 lakhs + for a lizard? Not on our watch.
— Assam Police (@assampolice) April 11, 2025
Acting on intel from @WJCommission South Asia, @STFAssam & @dibrugarhpolice rescued 11 Tokay Geckos from traffickers, 3 persons have been arrested & vehicles seized.
The Geckos will be released back into the wild. pic.twitter.com/6L6bcWLLGK
The Tokay Gecko, a native species found in parts of Northeast India, is frequently targeted by smugglers due to its high black-market value.
