Over 200 frogs seized at Pollem border
ARVIND TENGSE, MADGAO | 09 June 2013 15:26 IST
Frogs seized at Pollem border (Photo: Babesh Borkar)
The forest officials today early morning seized over 200 bull frogs at Pollem check post in Canacona transported across the border by three persons from Verna.
The forest officials found three sacks full of total 209 Indian bull frogs in a Maruti car GA 01 N 1690 that was intercepted near Pollem check post.
The officials found 51 of these frogs dead while rest 158 were alive.
The officials also arrested Damian Fernandes, Agnelo Vaz and Pacino Vaz, all three from Sonarwado, Nagoa of Verna transporting the frogs.
They were crossing the border at 6.30 am today.
The operation was jointly conducted by range forest officials of Khotigao, Canacona and Quepem.
It included Khotigao forest range officer Narayan Waingankar, Quepem forest range officer Minguel Fernandes and Canacona range forest officer Narayan Faldesai.
Further investigation is on under the supervision of Deputy Conservator of Forest (Wild Life) Sanjay Waradkar.
Arresting the persons is not enough. Police should find out why they were taking the frogs in Karnataka and who was interesting in buying their frogs.
This shows that there is market for our frogs in Karnataka. This cannot be an isolated case. They must have supplied frogs earlier also.
Government should also try to find out whether frogs can be reared. If so, people could get employment in frog rearing just like poultry business.
It will also help to breed frogs and increase the frog population in Goa. I understand frogs help in reducing the number of mosquitoes.