Peacock fat seized from export firm

By P. Oppili

CHENNAI, AUG. 27. About 30 bottles of peacock fat, meant to be exported to Malaysia, was seized from an export company on Mint Street in Park Town here by the Deputy Directorate of Wildlife Preservation, Southern Region, Chennai, a week ago.

According to Mr. R. Hemanth Kumar, Deputy Director, following a tip-off, a check was conducted in the premises of the private export company on 16th of this month. It was found that the peacock fat, dissolved in oil, was kept concealed in different cooking utensils. Each bottle contained six ounces of the fat.

A thorough check of the bottles revealed that the fat was prepared and packed at a private ayurvedic medicine company in Quilon, Kerala, and sent to another ayurvedic medicine company in Chennai. The Chennai-based company had given the material to the export firm to be sent to Malaysia, he said.

The national bird's fat is believed to contain medicinal properties which could cure arthritis.

There had been no record of any illegal trade involving peacock fat having taken place. It was for the first time that such an activity had come to light, officials said.

The company was planning to send some samples initially, and depending upon the response, it wanted to increase the export quantity, the officials said.

As per the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the bird is categorised under Schedule I (endangered species). Any offence or illegal trade relating to the Schedule I birds/animals would be liable for a punishment ranging from one year to seven years of rigorous imprisonment, Mr. Hemanth Kumar said.

The entire quantity which was about to be exported to Malaysia was detained by the officials. Two separate cases were registered by the Customs and the Wildlife Officials, under the Customs Act of 1962 and the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

Further investigation into the illegal trade had been taken up by the Special Investigation Bureau of the Customs department.

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Section  : Southern States
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