Dibrugarh, May 13: Four persons were arrested and a suspected rhinoceros horn worth around ₹1.2 crore was seized during a joint operation in Arunachal Pradesh’s Papum Pare district, officials said on Tuesday.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding illegal wildlife trade, a joint team of Balijan Police and the Forest Department carried out an operation on May 12, leading to the arrest of four alleged wildlife smugglers and the recovery of the rhino horn.
Reacting to the seizure, Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung said the operation reflected the government’s strong commitment to wildlife protection and curbing organised crime.
“The successful joint operation carried out by Balijan Police and the Forest Department against the alleged smuggling of a suspected rhino horn reflects our government’s firm commitment towards wildlife protection and organised crime prevention,” Natung posted on X.
He added that wildlife trafficking poses a serious threat to ecological balance and the region’s natural heritage, and warned that such illegal activities would continue to face strict legal action.
Police have registered a case at Balijan Police Station and launched a detailed investigation into the smuggling network.
Speaking to reporters, Papum Pare Superintendent of Police (Rural) Taru Gusar said the rhino horn was allegedly being trafficked for an estimated ₹1.2 crore.
“During interrogation, we came to know that the horn was smuggled for an estimated amount of ₹1.2 crore. The investigation is underway and we are examining possible international links,” he said.
Environmental activists have meanwhile expressed concern over the growing nexus of wildlife crime in the Northeast, alleging the involvement of organised international syndicates in the illegal trade of animal parts.
They urged enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to dismantle wildlife trafficking networks operating across the region.
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