Two arrested with musk deer pods in Assam

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A musk deer pod is a specialised scent gland found in the abdomen of a male musk deer. Representative file image used. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

A special team of the Assam Police recovered six musk deer pods from two Arunachal Pradesh-based men during an operation near Guwahati on Saturday (September 26, 2026).

Police intercepted Moga Doye, 48, of Lower Siang district, and Nokphua Wangsa, 44, of Changlang district, while they were transporting the pods, which weighed 158 grams.

A musk deer pod is a specialised scent gland found in the abdomen of a male musk deer. It produces a strong-smelling, reddish-brown secretion used in traditional perfumes and medicines.

“A team of our Special Operations Group and the local police foiled the suspected wildlife trafficking attempt at Medhikuchi, about 30 km east of Guwahati,” a police spokesperson said.

A preliminary investigation suggested the pods were being transported out of Assam, raising concerns about illegal wildlife trade through the State.

The musk deer, which belongs to the family Moschidae, is listed in CITES Appendix I, which covers plants and animals at the highest risk of extinction and threatened by international trade. CITES stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

The deer is also covered under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.

“Legal action has been initiated in connection with the seizure. We are investigating the case further to establish what species these pods are from, their source and intended destination,” the spokesperson said.

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