BARKHAN: Forest and Wildlife Department, Balochistan claimed to have foiled the bid to smuggle 40 rare bird cranes to Punjab in two different operations conducted in Batkhan area of Balochistan province on Sunday. Two alleged accused were also arrested during the operation.

According to a statement issued by Director Forest and Wildlife Zhob, Zubair Kakar, 40 cranes, which were to be smuggled to Punjab from Zhob, were recovered from a passenger coach and Mazda Truck in two different operations conducted in Barkhan. Two alleged accused were also arrested during the operation. Zubair Kakar said that cranes were shifted to Mian Ghundi Park while FIR was lodged against the alleged accused. Further investigation was underway.