Diglipur, March 4: In a significant operation, the Anti-Poaching Team of the North and Middle District under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (Dist) Smti. Geetanjali Khandelwal, IPS has successfully apprehended 09 of Myanmarese poachers, shedding light on an organized effort to exploit marine resources in the region.

On receipt of credible information, the Anti-Poaching Team achieved its first breakthrough on February 28, 2024, by apprehending two Myanmarese poachers in Srinagar and confiscating an engine dinghy from their possession. This was followed by the capture of an additional Myanmarese national along with another engine dinghy from Loha Tikrey Creek on March 2, 2024. Additionally, the Anti-Poaching Team seized another dinghy carrying 60 KG of sea cucumber from the Loha Tikery Area. The approximate value of the seized sea cucumber is expected to be around 20 lakhs. All apprehended Myanmarese nationals have been brought to Port Blair, where a joint interrogation by various intelligence agencies is currently underway.

Initial investigation has revealed a pattern of organized poaching activities. The arrested Myanmarese poachers disclosed that one team of eight members left Yerrawady District of Myanmar on an expedition to collect sea cucumber from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Another team, consisting of eleven members, departed on February 23, 2024, with sufficient ration articles, aiming to exploit Indian territorial waters for the same purpose.

The Anti-Poaching Team achieved success by apprehending other six members of the Myanmarese poachers from the dense jungle of Loha Tickery. Some of the apprehended individuals have a history of being arrested and convicted for similar offenses in the past.

The ongoing joint interrogation, conducted at the Immigration and Foreigners Office, involves multiple intelligence agencies. Once the interrogation process is complete, appropriate legal action will be taken against the poachers in accordance with the law.

The Joint Anti-Poaching team consisting of Police and Officers from Andaman & Nicobar command was successful in apprehending two more Myanmarese poachers on 03/03/2024 from Loha Tikrey Creek.

The Andaman and Nicobar Police remains committed to preserving the safety, security and rich biodiversity of the region. This successful operation underscores the dedication and effectiveness of the Anti-Poaching Team in safeguarding the ecological balance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.