Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) seized synthetic drug worth Rs.6 crores on Indo-Nepal Border

[Hindustani78]

File photo of trucks transporting goods parked near the India-Nepal border at Panitanki, 40 km from Siliguri.(AFP)

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world...rder-guards/story-DzubkvasW7Ag3r9AeEiNxJ.html

A Nepalese man was killed when Indian border guards allegedly opened fire following a dispute over the building of a culvert on Sano Khola river along the border with India, local residents said on Thursday.

The incident occurred in Kanchanpur district in the far west of Nepal. Kanchanpur borders India’s Uttarakhand state.

Govinda Gautam, 20, of Punarbas municipality in Kanchanpur district, was hit by shots allegedly fired by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel from Sampurnanagar outpost, local residents said. He died while being taken to hospital.

After Gautam’s death, hundreds of people demonstrated outside the hospital where his body was kept. Personnel from Nepal Police and Armed Police Force were deployed in the area to control the situation.

The SSB, which is under India’s home ministry, is responsible for guarding the India-Nepal border. There was no official word on the incident from the Indian side.

A dispute was triggered in the area after a border pillar went missing some time ago, and both sides have made claims and counter claims over some pieces of land in no-man’s land.

The Nepalese side was building the culvert in an area that is claimed by the Indian side. The situation became tense on Thursday after the SSB personnel, who were accompanied by residents of the Indian border town of Basahi, allegedly fired in the air.

The SSB personnel contended that digging for the culvert was being done in Indian territory.

Manohar Prasad Khanal, the chief district officer of Kanchanpur, told the local media that Nepalese nationals in the border area had been protesting since the morning after Indian authorities objected to the construction of the culvert.

Local residents also accused the SSB personnel of manhandling Nepalese citizens living in the border areas and shutting the border.

The construction of the culvert was started on Wednesday after an agreement was reached by the two sides following a dispute that lasted more than a month.

 

[Hindustani78]

The incident took place near Basahi village in Sampurnanagar area. (Photo: file)
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nati...one-pelting-by-nepalese-citizens-near-ib.html

The SSB jawans came under fire after they objected to permanent construction work on a disputed land near Pillar No. 200 along the IB.

Lakhimpur Kheri: Seven jawans of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and some civilians were on Thursday injured when a group of Nepalese citizens pelted stones at them at a place near India-Nepal border.

"The Nepalese citizens pelted stones after the SSB jawans deployed there objected to permanent construction work on a disputed land near Pillar No. 200," SSB Commandant Dilbag Singh said.

The incident took place near Basahi village in Sampurnanagar area here, he said, adding the injuries were not of serious nature.

Lakhimpur Kheri District Magistrate Akashdeep and police officials rushed to the spot to take up the matter with the Nepalese authorities.

The dispute first arose on February 18 when some Nepalese citizens started constructing a culvert near the Pillar No. 200 which is reported to be missing.

Pallia SDM Shadab Aslam had then visited the spot and discussed the matter with Nepalese authorities.

It was agreed then that no permanent construction would be carried out till the survey officers of both the countries decided the boundary.

However, yesterday, construction work was started and when it came to notice, SSB jawans objected to it following which the group of Nepalese citizens indulged in stone pelting injuring seven jawans of the border guarding force and some civilians.

SSB, which is under the administrative control of the Union Home Ministry, is assigned the duties of manning the Nepal and Bhutan borders.

Uttar Pradesh shares a 599.3 km long porous border with Nepal touching seven districts - Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Sravasti, Balrampur, Sidhharthnagar and Maharajganj.

Lakhimpur Kheri was in the news this week after curfew was imposed in the city on March 2 following clashes over an objectionable video which was allegedly circulated by two students.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju inspecting the guard of honour during the passing out parade of 17th Assistant Commandant-Direct Entry (ACDE) batch and 8th Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) batch, at SSB Academy Srinagar, in Uttarakhand on April 18, 2017.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju addressing during the passing out parade of 17th Assistant Commandant-Direct Entry (ACDE) batch and 8th Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) batch, at SSB Academy Srinagar, in Uttarakhand on April 18, 2017.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju taking salute during the passing out parade of 17th Assistant Commandant-Direct Entry (ACDE) batch and 8th Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) batch, at SSB Academy Srinagar, in Uttarakhand on April 18, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/china-made-heroin-worth-rs-6-crore-seized-by-ssb-2006908.html

New Delhi: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has seized 900 gms of Double Tiger China made Heroin worth Rs. 6 crore and also apprehended a person namely Lal Bahaudur Sardar in connection with the case.

Earlier, a trap was laid on the Sonamani Godam area of Bihar's Araria district in the intervening night of May 17 and 18 and one person was intercepted by the personnel of the SSB. On asking him to stop for frisking, he tried to escape taking advantage of darkness, but the alert troops managed to overpower him and he was apprehended.

During the physical search, one plastic carry bag having two packets of Double Tiger China made Heroin was recovered from his possession.

He later revealed that he was sent by his handler based in Nepal to hand over the packets to a smuggler based in India at Assisi Ghat Bridge.

The apprehended person and seized Double Tiger China made Heroin were handed over to Out Post-Sonamani Godam under the Jogbani Police Station.

An investigation into matter is underway.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
31-May, 2017 19:09 IST
Shri Kiren Rijiju attends Closing Ceremony of SSB’s 7th Inter-Frontier Band Competition

The closing ceremony of Sashastra Seema Bal’s (SSB) 7th Inter-Frontier Band Competition was held here yesterday. The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju was the Chief Guest of the closing ceremony which was studded with dazzling programmes and prize distribution.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Rijiju said that Bands in the Security Forces have a long history. Earlier during war time instruments like Truhi, Shankh were used to start or end the war whereas Drum Rolls and Nagada were used to announce attack and other tactics in the war field. Similarly during modern days, the band is an integral part of ceremonial events and parades. Bands play motivating tunes to keep the morale of troops high and also entertain the troops during their leisure time.

Speaking on the occasion, Director General, SSB Smt. Archana Ramasundaram said this Inter-Frontier Band Competition was started in 2011 with a motive to provide a platform for the band performers. She congratulated all the SSB Frontier Band Team participants and motivated them to excel in all competitions.

Smt. Renuka Mishra, IG (P&T), in her address, highlighted about the number of Bands SSB is having at present and the prominent place which SSB occupies among All India Police Band competition.

The evening started with a spectacular demonstration of synchronised Pipe and Brass Band of Silliguri Frontier, which was followed by splendid display by others participant band teams. A symphony concert was organised in which members of SSB’s Central Band Team also participated. DG, SSB applauded the contribution of Retd. Col. GP Thapliyal and Major Ashok Kumar in preparing this concert.

The Siliguri Frontier secured First position in Brass Band, Lucknow Frontier secured First position in Bugler competition, Patna Frontier was adjudged First in Pipe and Brass Band whereas Jazz Band competition was won by Guwahati Frontier.

****

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju addressing on the occasion of Closing Ceremony of 7th SSB Inter-Frontier Band Competition, in New Delhi on May 30, 2017.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju presenting a trophy on the occasion of Closing Ceremony of 7th SSB Inter-Frontier Band Competition, in New Delhi on May 30, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh dedicating the Separated Family Accommodation (SFA) quarters for Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel, at SSB Frontier Headquarters, in Lucknow on September 04, 2017. The Director General, SSB, Smt. Archana Ramasundaram is also seen.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh handing over the house key to a SSB personnel after dedicating the Separated Family Accommodation (SFA) quarters for Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel, at SSB Frontier Headquarters, in Lucknow on September 04, 2017. The Director General, SSB, Smt. Archana Ramasundaram is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Environment and Forests
22-September, 2017 17:14 IST
“Law of the land must be upheld, as many species are on the verge of extinction”: Dr. Harsh Vardhan

Sashastra Seema Bal organises seminar on ‘Role of Security Forces in Combating Wildlife Crimes

Emphasising the need for spreading awareness and sensitization on crimes against wildlife, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that the law of the land must be upheld, since many species are on the verge of extinction.

Addressing the inaugural session of the seminar on ‘Role of security forces in combating wildlife crimes’ organized by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), at Vigyan Bhawan here today, Dr. Harsh Vardhan underlined the need for human beings to live in harmony with nature, as an increasing number of animal species are today on the endangered list.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that the job of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is more difficult, since it guards the open borders with friendly neighbouring countries, where force alone cannot be used to enforce the law of the land. He pointed out that development activities have increased tremendously after India’s Independence and in this process, people destroyed the natural abode of wild animals by cutting down forest for agricultural and industrial use. The Minister added that tremendous loss has already been caused to environment and wild animals due to human mistakes. ‘Certain plants and wild animals either have either become extinct, or are on the verge of extinction, if whatever is now left with us is not taken care of, then in the coming days, we will see forests and wild animals only in books’, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said. He appreciated the SSB’s initiative of organising this seminar with sister agencies, NGOs and special dignitaries The Minister pointed out such seminars enhance inter-departmental co-ordination and in the process, crime against forests and wild animals will be checked. Dr. Harsh Vardhan assured the gathering that the recommendations made during the seminar will be examined by Ministry of Environment & Forests as Action Points for implementation.

In her welcome address, Director General, SSB, Smt. Archana Ramasundaram, made an appeal to all the dignitaries and representatives of sister agencies and NGOs to put forward ideas for formulating a long-term strategy for protection of forest and wild animals. She said that of the total 629 Border Outposts of the SSB, as many as 229 BOPs are located in the classified forested areas. Elaborating the SSB’s efforts in this direction, she said that last year, the force had not only arrested 62 criminals in 60 cases, but had also saved the lives of Tokay- Lizard and sand-boa snakes. Dr. Ramasundaram added that this year, in just 8 months, 85 cases have been registered, while 95 smugglers have been arrested. Apart from these, SSB confiscated body parts of endangered spices, dear, Turtles, rabbits, pigeons and elephant tusks.

The purpose of the seminar was to sensitize the CAPF and other stakeholders towards the magnitude of wildlife trade and emphasise the necessity for inter-agency cooperation. ADG, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Smt. Tilotma Verma and other dignitaries attended the seminar.


*****

 

[Hindustani78]

The Director General, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Smt. Archana Ramasundaram calling on the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on September 28, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Director General, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Smt. Archana Ramasundaram addressing a Press Conference on major initiatives of SSB, in New Delhi on September 29, 2017.

 

[SBUS-CXK]

Ministry of Home Affairs
13-October, 2016 18:11 IST
Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir calls for indigenous R&D in Border Infrastructure, Checking illicit trafficking of drugs and human trafficking

The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir has laid stress on indigenous Research & Development in Border Infrastructure. Inaugurating the daylong Seminar on “Border Management and Illicit Trade” here today, Shri Ahir assured the Government will procure the most modern equipment to secure our borders. Cautioning against overdependence on imported technologies such as from Israel, the US and South Africa, Shri Ahir said our robust indigenous industry must overcome this deficit.

Shri Ahir lauded the efforts of our Prime Minister who walked an extra mile in maintaining friendly relations with our neighbouring countries. He said that Government is committed to securing the country’s borders, especially its Western borders as Pakistan is not only non-cooperative in Border Management but also creates problems. He reiterated that the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has said that the Indo-Pak Border would be completely sealed by the year 2018.

Shri Ahir laid special emphasis on checking illicit trafficking of drugs and also human trafficking across the borders. Mentioning that the border areas have generally remained backward and poverty ridden due to obvious reasons, Shri Ahir said the economic activities can be fast tracked only in a secured environment.

Speaking on the occasion, Director General, Border Security Force, Shri KK Sharma said the BSF has been deployed along Indo-Pak and Indo-Bangladesh borders, the total length of which is more than 6,500 kms, in short, a distance more than point-to-point between Delhi and London.

In his address, Dr. A. Didar Singh, Secretary General, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), said illicit border trade is costing the Government more than Rupees One Lakh crore loss in tax revenue.

*** KSD/NK/PK

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Seminar on Border Management and Illicit Trade, in New Delhi on October 13, 2016.

http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...india-use-its-own-resources-ahir_1939484.html
Last Updated: Thursday, October 13, 2016 - 14:14

New Delhi: China and Pakistan will not let India utilise its resources until the country takes steps to secure borders effectively, Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said on Thursday.

"India is not getting cooperation from Pakistan in border areas. Instead, the neighbouring country is creating trouble. We have to introduce modern technologies in securing our borders which are geographically diverse in nature," he said.

"China and Pakistan will not let us claim our own properties. We could not claim our share of the waters of the Brahmaputra river as we delayed utilising it."

"Mineral reserves in border areas must be utilised which we are unable to do due to the insecure borders. If we succeed in making use of these minerals and natural resources, I do not think our country will remain poor," Ahir said at a seminar on 'Border Management and Illicit Trade' organised by FICCI.

Ladakh has huge reserves of natural resources, including minerals, as after every 10 kilometres, mountains change their colour, he said.

"India has shown its might. The World has seen what is the difference between those talking too much and those talking less on the intervening night of September 28 and 29," he told reporters when asked about his reaction to the rhetoric from Pakistan in the wake of the surgical strikes across the LoC.

India has always tried to improve its ties with neighbouring countries as some tasks cannot be carried out through arms but through dialogue. But, Pakistan has created a lot of problem by indulging in drug-trafficking, Ahir said.

"Young population living in Punjab along Pakistan border has been troubled by Pakistan. This is a persistent challenge which needs to be tackled. Our neighbouring country does not want to see our youths flourish and progress," the minister said.

China had last month blocked a tributary of the Brahmaputra river in Tibet as part of the construction of its "most expensive" hydro project which has caused concern in India as it may impact water flows into the lower riparian country.


Last year, China had operationalised the USD 1.5 billion Zam Hydropower Station, the largest in Tibet, built on the Brahmaputra river, which has raised concerns in India.

Dr A Didar Singh, Secretary General, FICCI said illicit trade and smuggling of products impact India's economy and industries as well as safety and security of consumers.

"India faces a loss of nearly Rs 40,000 crore in taxes due to the illegal trade of just seven products. The actual loss figure can be much higher. Illegal cross-border activities harm the Indian economy," Singh said.

He said these smuggled products also pose serious a threat to the health of consumers.

On the occasion, FICCI Advisor Deep Chand, BSF DG KK Sharma and Dr AP Maheshwari, Additional DG BSF were also present.

PTI

I can guess this thing in India must try to find China...
But this more proves the impotence and hypocrisy of India and the cheap lies.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/dehra...ntier-areas/story-WaPaebVelsVjF9MNSthAYM.html

Earlier, the Sashastra Seema Bal and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police have helped in cracking several wildlife crime cases. Ironically, the ‘carrier’ in Pithoragarh was arrested a few days after the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and the Wildlife Institute of India discussed a strategy with Nepalese officials on checking illegal wildlife trade, and discussed strengthening border vigilance.
dehradun Updated: Sep 30, 2017 20:45 IST
Hindustan Times

Leopard skins are a prized collection for a section of those interested in hunting.(PHOTO FOR REPRESENTATION)

DEHRADUN: The Pithoragarh case in which three leopard skins were smuggled from Nepal highlights the flourishing illegal cross-border wildlife trade despite the presence of central armed police forces in frontier areas.

Earlier, the Sashastra Seema Bal and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police have helped in cracking several wildlife crime cases. Ironically, the ‘carrier’ in Pithoragarh was arrested a few days after the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and the Wildlife Institute of India discussed a strategy with Nepalese officials on checking illegal wildlife trade, and discussed strengthening border vigilance.

Those involved in wildlife conservation feel involvement of locals, lack of sources on ground to identify and monitor suspects and lack of plan to avert poaching are undoing the efforts to save wild animals, including the leopard. “Border is a very sensitive area and we have defence forces that keep a watch over everything. With limited staff with us, it is impossible to man every big cat,” chief wildlife warden Digvijay Singh Khati said.

So far, the forest department has failed to create a network of informers in border areas as well as the adjoiningvillages outside protected areas. In June, a resident of Mothrawala in Dehradun forest division was arrested with a leopard skin. Prior to that body parts of pangolins and jackals were seized from bordering villages of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve.

“Involvement of locals can only be monitored if there’s extensive network of sources on the ground. The forest department of Uttarakhand lacks this network,” a forest officer said.

Sunish Kumar, project director at Delhi-based NGO Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), holds the same view. “We do have agencies like the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and other NGOs, but what we lack is a network of people on the ground that can rigorously work on such cases. These people can be locals, forest staff, police or even sources,” Kumar told Hindustan Times.

According to the WPSI, 336 leopards have died till September 28 this year in the country. Uttarakhand tops the list with 78 mortalities of which 37 were poaching and seizure cases. The state also reports maximum leopard attacks on humans.

Madhya Pradesh comes a distant second with 32 mortalities, including 15 of poaching and seizures. The forest department is not counting the Pithoragarh case as it maintains that the three leopards - protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act - are not from the state.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh presenting a memento to Dr. Meeran C. Borwankar, who retired as Director General, Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) last month, during a farewell function, in New Delhi on October 03, 2017.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh presenting a memento to Smt. Archana Ramasundaram, who retired as Director General, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) last month, during a farewell function, in New Delhi on October 03, 2017.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh during a farewell function organised for Smt. Archana Ramasundaram, who retired as Director General, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) last month and Dr. Meeran C. Borwankar, who retired as Director General, Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) last month, in New Delhi on October 03, 2017. The Union Home Secretary, Shri Rajiv Gauba, the DGs of CAPFs and Senior Officers of MHA are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

KALPETTA, October 07, 2017 00:50 IST
Updated: October 07, 2017 00:50 IST
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/police-seize-1-kg-of-heroin/article19815210.ece

Five, including UP native, arrested
In a planned operation, a police team led by K.M. Devasya, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mananthavady, seized 1 kg of heroin, estimated at ₹2 crore, and arrested five persons from a lodge at Buffalo Street at Mananthavady in the district on Thursday night.

Those arrested were identified as Ajay Singh, 42, from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh; Madhusoodanan, 56, of Peedika Thazhe, Payyannur; Asokan, 45, of Kunnummal house, Kanhangad; Balakrishnan, 47, of Kaniyanthole at Cheemeni, Kasaragod; and Shyjul, 37, of Uparickal house, Cherupuzha, in Kannur district.

From Barakpur

During interrogation, Ajay Singh revealed that he brought the contraband from Barakpur in Uttar Pradesh.

The narcotic was kept in small polythene bags in a handbag. Acting on a tip-off, the police arrested them while Ajay was trying to sell the narcotic to one Rafeeque and Bijulal at Pazhayannur with the help of other members, Mr. Devasya told The Hindu.

Rafeeque and Bijulal were absconding. A car that was used to transport the contraband was also seized, he said .

The accused were charged under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) Act. They would be produced before the First Class Judicial Magistrate Court, Mananthavady, in the evening.

 

[wiseone2]

The incident took place near Basahi village in Sampurnanagar area. (Photo: file)
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nati...one-pelting-by-nepalese-citizens-near-ib.html

The SSB jawans came under fire after they objected to permanent construction work on a disputed land near Pillar No. 200 along the IB.

Lakhimpur Kheri: Seven jawans of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and some civilians were on Thursday injured when a group of Nepalese citizens pelted stones at them at a place near India-Nepal border.

"The Nepalese citizens pelted stones after the SSB jawans deployed there objected to permanent construction work on a disputed land near Pillar No. 200," SSB Commandant Dilbag Singh said.

The incident took place near Basahi village in Sampurnanagar area here, he said, adding the injuries were not of serious nature.

Lakhimpur Kheri District Magistrate Akashdeep and police officials rushed to the spot to take up the matter with the Nepalese authorities.

The dispute first arose on February 18 when some Nepalese citizens started constructing a culvert near the Pillar No. 200 which is reported to be missing.

Pallia SDM Shadab Aslam had then visited the spot and discussed the matter with Nepalese authorities.

It was agreed then that no permanent construction would be carried out till the survey officers of both the countries decided the boundary.

However, yesterday, construction work was started and when it came to notice, SSB jawans objected to it following which the group of Nepalese citizens indulged in stone pelting injuring seven jawans of the border guarding force and some civilians.

SSB, which is under the administrative control of the Union Home Ministry, is assigned the duties of manning the Nepal and Bhutan borders.

Uttar Pradesh shares a 599.3 km long porous border with Nepal touching seven districts - Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Sravasti, Balrampur, Sidhharthnagar and Maharajganj.

Lakhimpur Kheri was in the news this week after curfew was imposed in the city on March 2 following clashes over an objectionable video which was allegedly circulated by two students.

SSB should work with the Nepali government rather than fighting with Nepali citizens

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/639038/3-indians-among-6-arrested.html

Press Trust of India, Kathmandu, Oct 23 2017, 21:04 IST

Three Indians and a Pakistani were among six people arrested here for allegedly smuggling protected live animals to Nepal from Nigeria, a media report said today.

The Central Investigation Bureau of the Nepal Police arrested three Indians -- Mohammad Usman, 34, Mohammad Faim, 35, and Mohammad Sherif Shahid, 35, the Himalayan Times reported.

Two Nepalese -- Sanjeev Bhari, 40, of Kathmandu and Raj Kumar Tiwari, 42, of Bara -- and Jawaid Aslam Khan, 55, of Pakistan were also arrested, police officials said.

Two chimpanzees, eight monkeys, seven golden pheasants, two ringneck pheasants, 38 pigeons and 65 parrots were seized from the accused after a raid at the house of Bhari in Kathmandu on October 18, said Superintendent of Polcie Jeevan Shrestha, the CIB spokesperson.

The final destination of the apes is believed to be India, he said.

"Preliminary investigation suggests the racketeers would smuggle apes to India from Nigeria by making Nepal their transit," Shrestha said.

He said the apes were brought to Nepal from the African country by air, but officials at the Tribhuvan International Airport here failed to intercept the animal species.

The accused have been handed over to the District Forest Office, Kathmandu, where legal action under National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act will be initiated, while the animals and birds rescued alive have been sent to the Central Zoo.

Anyone involved in the trade of protected species may face a jail term of five to 15 years, and also be slapped with a fine of up to Rs 100,000, the report said.

Indian national Usman is a repeat offender and was arrested with 109 tortoises and 162 birds of different species from Kathmandu in June last year, it said.

Police had raided a house and recovered the reptiles and birds kept in boxes and cages. Officials said the tortoises, which weigh three to five kg each, and the birds, including several varieties of parrots, were smuggled into Nepal from India.

It is believed the seized animals were to be illegally transported to China, where they would end up in restaurants or thriving markets in Vietnam selling animals and birds, according to the report.