The Tokay Gecko is a brightly coloured lizard with bright orange and blue spots and are often found clinging silently to tree trunks or rocky walls in the forests of Northeast India. But behind its unattractive appearance lies its medicinal value , and due to this it is one of the most trafficked creatures in Asia.
The Tokay Gecko has long been a target of illegal wildlife trade , especially in countries like China and Southeast Asia, where it’s believed to cure diseases. A dried and powdered version of the lizard, also finds its way into traditional medicine markets, and is sold at jaw-dropping prices.
The Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police apprehended three smugglers in Dibrugarh district and seized 11 Tokay Geckos, which is a rare and highly protected species of lizard. The bust took place on Friday after police intercepted the suspects during a covert meet-up at a local dhaba.
The accused have been identified as Debashis Dohutia (34), Manash Dohutia (28), and Dipankar Gharphalia (40). According to police officials, the smugglers were caught carrying the geckos in a red backpack, with each reptile tied inside individual nylon bags.
The smuggling attempt has got attention, not just due to the rarity of the species but also because of their staggering black-market value. "₹60 lakhs + for a lizard? Not on our watch," Assam Police posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Dibrugarh Police rescued 11 Tokay Geckos from traffickers, 3 persons have been arrested and vehicles seized. The Geckos will be released back into the wild,” the statement added.
Authorities also talked about the seriousness of the offense. "The species is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, which is the highest protection. The maximum punishment is seven years, a cognizable and non-bailable offense. Export is completely banned. The species are found only in a few pockets in Arunachal Pradesh in India and a few pockets of Assam," the police said.
What is the reason behind their sky-high prices?
While the geckos are often trafficked for use in traditional Chinese medicine, where they are believed to have anti-asthma, anti-cancer, and to boost libido, their role in scientific research is equally noteworthy. According to reports, the Tokay Gecko is now being studied for its unique ability to adhere to surfaces which is being replicated to help develop technology for capturing uncontrollable space debris.
The Tokay Gecko has long been a target of illegal wildlife trade , especially in countries like China and Southeast Asia, where it’s believed to cure diseases. A dried and powdered version of the lizard, also finds its way into traditional medicine markets, and is sold at jaw-dropping prices.
The Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police apprehended three smugglers in Dibrugarh district and seized 11 Tokay Geckos, which is a rare and highly protected species of lizard. The bust took place on Friday after police intercepted the suspects during a covert meet-up at a local dhaba.
The accused have been identified as Debashis Dohutia (34), Manash Dohutia (28), and Dipankar Gharphalia (40). According to police officials, the smugglers were caught carrying the geckos in a red backpack, with each reptile tied inside individual nylon bags.
The smuggling attempt has got attention, not just due to the rarity of the species but also because of their staggering black-market value. "₹60 lakhs + for a lizard? Not on our watch," Assam Police posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Dibrugarh Police rescued 11 Tokay Geckos from traffickers, 3 persons have been arrested and vehicles seized. The Geckos will be released back into the wild,” the statement added.
₹60 lakhs + for a lizard? Not on our watch.
— Assam Police (@assampolice) April 11, 2025
Acting on intel from @WJCommission South Asia, @STFAssam & @dibrugarhpolice rescued 11 Tokay Geckos from traffickers, 3 persons have been arrested & vehicles seized.
The Geckos will be released back into the wild. pic.twitter.com/6L6bcWLLGK
Authorities also talked about the seriousness of the offense. "The species is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, which is the highest protection. The maximum punishment is seven years, a cognizable and non-bailable offense. Export is completely banned. The species are found only in a few pockets in Arunachal Pradesh in India and a few pockets of Assam," the police said.
What is the reason behind their sky-high prices?
While the geckos are often trafficked for use in traditional Chinese medicine, where they are believed to have anti-asthma, anti-cancer, and to boost libido, their role in scientific research is equally noteworthy. According to reports, the Tokay Gecko is now being studied for its unique ability to adhere to surfaces which is being replicated to help develop technology for capturing uncontrollable space debris.
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