THANE: The Thane crime branch has arrested two people for allegedly possessing a pangolin, an endangered animal. The two accused were planning to sell off the ant-eating
mammal
, which can fetch up to Rs 40 lakh in the international market, said the police.
Based on a tip-off, the police arrested Virar resident Sagar Pawar (33) and Raigad resident Abdul Jalil Yunus Mahamrut (54) from Dahisar Mori area on the Mumbra-Panvel highway.
The Shil-Daighar police have registered an offence against the duo under sections of Wildlife Protection Act and the crime branch officials are investigating the case further.
The police said that pangolins are poached for their unique scales and meat which is used in medicines for asthma, rheumatism and
arthritis
. The scales, on the other hand, are used in Chinese medicine and this has driven the mammal to near-extinction. At many places, the scales are also used to make sex stimulants.
Pangolins are reportedly smuggled through India,
Nepal
,
Myanmar
and Bhutan, finally ending up in China.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.