UP STF arrests international wildlife trafficker in Lucknow
Seven rare falcons valued at approximately Rs 14 crore were recovered from the Mumbai resident during the operation.
The Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force (STF) arrested a member of an international wildlife trafficking syndicate in Lucknow on October 31.
The accused, identified as Mumbai resident Firoz Musharrat Khan, was apprehended from Iradatnagar under the Madiyanv police station jurisdiction.
Police recovered seven falcons of a rare species from Khan, which are estimated to be worth approximately Rs 14 crore in the international market.
The STF Media cell said the birds were allegedly sourced from forests in Gorakhpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Sitapur to be supplied to Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
Authorities also seized a mobile phone and an Aadhaar card from the accused during the operation.
The STF carried out the operation in coordination with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, and a case has been registered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.