Bhubaneswar, Nov 25: The Special Task Force (STF) of the Crime Branch today arrested a pangolin smuggler and rescued a live pangolin from his possession.

The accused have been identified as Nilamali Dehury of Keonjhar. On the basis of reliable information, STF team conducted a raid near Satkosia-Nalda road about a deal of sale of pangolin and arrested Dehury. The pangolin has been handed over to the Karanjia forest officials.

During last one year, STF has seized as many as 21 leopard skins, 11 elephant tusks, 2 deer skins, 8 live pangolins and 15 kg pangolin scales and arrested 47 wildlife criminals.

“STF is the specialized wing of Odisha Police to curb the organised crime in the State. Wildlife crimes remain the one of the focus areas of STF and STF will continue its drive against the wildlife crime and criminals,” said an official.