NEPALGUNJ: Police have arrested a herb trader in possession of 13,550 kilograms of prohibited lichen species, which are on the verge of extinction, from Nepalgunj on Sunday.

The alleged smuggler has been identified as Mohammad Yakub Ansari aka Gobre, a permanent resident of Nepalgunj-6 in Banke district.

Ansari is the central chairman of Nepal Herbal Traders Association of Nepal.

The government has prohibited sell and use of  the herb since 2011.

According to DIG Madav Nepal at the Mid-Western Regional Police Office, Ansari's godown of the medicinal herb, locally known as "Jhyau", in Rajha of Banke district was raided in coordination with the Central Investigation Bureau and Banke District Police Office, to seize the ready to smuggle herbs.

Police said they have handed over the accused along with the seized herb to Banke District Forest Office for further investigation.

Meanwhile, Ansari was presented before the Banke District Court today. He has been remanded to custody for further investigation, said Narayan Pardhe, Assistant Forest Officer of the district.

The species can be used to produce fragrances, edible spices and medicines for epilepsy.