The tokay gecko, which is a nocturnal Asian lizard growing up to 40cm in length and weighing up to 200 gm, is in great demand in China for its purported medicinal values. A mature gecko can easily fetch up to Rs 20 lakh.
According to Dispur Police, Nunisa, his brother-in-law John Hojai, also a former militant, and his personal security officers were heading towards Haflong when police recovered the lizard from his vehicle during a routine check in the Hengarabari area here.
"One of the inmates of the vehicle fled when police tried to stop the vehicle and then our suspicions grew. After searching the vehicle, we found the gecko," said a police officer.
Nunisa's arrest has come amidst reports of surrendered militants engaging in wildlife crime.