KATHMANDU: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has received the Asia Environmental Enforcement Award from the United Nations for its important role in controlling wildlife-related crimes.
The United Nations Environment Program announced the award on Wednesday.
It has been decided to award Inspector of Police Sudarshan Panthi and Deputy Inspector of Police Birendra Johari, who have been investigating wildlife-related crimes at the CIB, for arresting notorious wildlife smuggler Kunjok Chhiring Tamang.
A team of CBI had arrested Tamang, 50, of Namkha village in Humla and currently living in Bouddha in Kathmandu in June.
Five members of his gang were arrested on September 1, 2005, in the then Syaphru VDC-9 of Rasuwa with five pieces of tiger hide, 36 pieces of leopard hide, and 113 kg of tiger bones among others.
The main accused Tamang was absconding even after other people were convicted and served the jail term.
He was also on Interpol’s most-wanted list for his involvement in wildlife-related crimes.
He has been prosecuted as per the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 BS. Article 26 (1) of the Act has a provision for a fine of Rs 500,000 to Rs 1 million or imprisonment for five to fifteen years or both.
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