Police in Papum Pare district have arrested four individuals and seized a rhinoceros horn with an estimated market value of Rs 1.2 crore.

The operation was carried out on May 12 in Hollongi and adjacent areas near the Assam border, Papum Pare SP (Rural) Taru Gusar said. He noted that the raid was based on credible intelligence about wildlife smuggling.

Gusar confirmed that one rhino horn was recovered during the drive. During interrogation, the accused told police the horn was intended for illegal trade at around Rs 1.2 crore.

Balijan police station has filed a case in the matter. Gusar said investigators are now working to uncover any interstate or cross border links tied to the smuggling network.

Applauding the action, Home Minister Mama Natung stressed the government’s dedication to protecting wildlife.

In a post on X, Natung said,”the joint effort by Balijan Police and the forest department against suspected rhino horn smuggling underscores the administration’s strong stand on wildlife conservation and curbing organised crime”.

He stated that wildlife trafficking endangers ecological stability and India’s natural heritage, adding that strict legal measures will continue against such offenses.

Global conservation groups including the World Wide Fund for Nature and the International Union for Conservation of Nature identify poaching and habitat loss as persistent threats to rhino populations, even with conservation initiatives in place.