Bhubaneswar: Alarmed by the recent rescue of five baby orangutans from a forest in Balasore district, the state govt has directed the marine police to remain on high alert against possible wildlife smuggling through sea routes, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the assembly on Monday.Govt officials said the circumstances surrounding the rescue and the suspected trafficking route through which the orangutans were brought to Odisha are yet to be established by the special task force (STF). However, the directive aims to strengthen coastal surveillance and prevent any attempt to use the state’s coastline for illegal wildlife trafficking.“Instructions have been issued to all marine police stations to maintain close vigil on wildlife trafficking through sea routes and take prompt legal action against any suspicious movement,” Majhi’s written reply said to a question raised by MLA Sarada Prasanna Jena in the assembly.Jena sought details on the preparedness of the coastal police, including their surveillance capabilities, intelligence network and capacity to curb infiltration and maritime crimes following the mysterious appearance of orangutans, who are not native to India, in Balasore on Sept 8.Responding to the query, Majhi said the govt has strengthened coastal security infrastructure by establishing 18 marine police stations and deploying interceptor boats, drones, hired trawlers and a dedicated command-and-control centre.He added that marine police are maintaining constant surveillance to prevent infiltration, illegal fishing and transportation of contraband through sea routes.