Sambalpur, Nov 12:Two alleged poachers have been arrested in a joint operation by forest officials and Bargarh Police in Odisha's Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

The crackdown was conducted on November 10 and 11 across five villages located near the sanctuary.

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Around 70 forest personnel and police officials participated in the search operation to prevent illegal hunting.

The arrested persons have been identified as Ghanshyam Mirdha and Suprasad Sui, both residents of Rautpada village.

During the operation, officials seized traps, nets, around 3 kg of electric wire and 2 kg of cable wire from their possession.

According to officials, the accused had allegedly laid traps inside the sanctuary to hunt a leopard.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Anshu Pragya Das said both accused have been forwarded to court.