Assam: 14 camels seized in Dhubri, police foil suspected cross-border trafficking attempt

In a significant crackdown on animal smuggling, Dhubri police intercepted a truck carrying 14 camels in Charaldanga village near Gauripur, suspected to be illegally trafficked across the Indo-Bangladesh border. The seizure took place in the early hours of Saturday following an alert from local villagers.

Residents of Charaldanga grew suspicious after noticing a large number of camels being unloaded near a local brick kiln and immediately informed the Gauripur Police Station. On reaching the site, police discovered that the truck driver and a group of suspected smugglers had abandoned both the truck and the animals and fled under the cover of darkness. No arrests have been made so far, but a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the culprits.

Initial investigations suggest the involvement of an international smuggling network. Intelligence indicates that the traffickers intended to transport the camels from Charaldanga via Alomganj across the sensitive border with Bangladesh. The absence of transit passes and valid fitness certificates for the camels further strengthened suspicions of illegal trafficking. The seized truck, bearing registration number UP-17BT-5719, has been impounded by authorities along with the camels.

This incident highlights the growing trend of unusual animal trafficking in Assam’s border districts, where smugglers, in addition to cattle, are now attempting to traffic camels to meet rising demand in neighboring countries.

The camels are currently in the custody of the Gauripur Police, and authorities are initiating legal and procedural measures to ensure their care and transfer. A detailed investigation into the smuggling racket is ongoing, and police have assured stringent action against all involved.