Dibrugarh: Four individuals were arrested and a suspected rhinoceros horn valued at around Rs 1.2 crore was seized during a joint operation in Arunachal Pradesh’s Papum Pare district on Tuesday.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding illegal wildlife trade activities, Balijan Police and the Forest Department launched an operation on May 12, leading to the arrest of the four suspected wildlife smugglers.
Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung, in a post on X, said the successful joint operation reflected the government’s “firm commitment towards wildlife protection and organised crime prevention.”
“Wildlife trafficking poses a serious threat to ecological balance and our natural heritage. Such unlawful activities will continue to face strict action under the law,” Natung said, while appreciating the joint team for its “prompt, coordinated and professional effort.”
Police have registered a case at Balijan police station and an investigation is underway.
Speaking to reporters, Papum Pare Superintendent of Police (Rural) Taru Gusar said one rhino horn was recovered during the operation.
“During interrogation, we came to know that the horn was being smuggled for an estimated amount of Rs 1.2 crore. The investigation is ongoing and we are checking for any possible international links,” he said.
Environmental activists said wildlife crime and smuggling of animal parts have become a serious issue in the Northeast, with several international syndicates allegedly involved in the trade.
“The agencies monitoring wildlife smuggling activities in the Northeast should closely examine possible international links. Authorities must take all possible steps to crack down on wildlife smuggling rackets in the region,” an activist said.
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