Rhino Horn Worth Rs 1.2 Crore Seized in Arunachal Pradesh, Four Arrested

In a major crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, four alleged smugglers were arrested in Arunachal Pradesh’s Papum Pare district after police and forest officials seized a suspected rhinoceros horn valued at around Rs 1.2 crore , officials said on Wednesday.

The joint operation was carried out on May 12 in Hollongi and adjoining areas near the Assam border following specific intelligence inputs regarding wildlife trafficking activities. Officials from Balijan Police and the forest department participated in the raid.

Papum Pare Superintendent of Police (Rural) Taru Gusar said one rhino horn was recovered during the operation. During interrogation, the accused allegedly revealed that the horn was meant for sale in the illegal international market for nearly Rs 1.2 crore . Police are now probing possible interstate and international links connected to the smuggling network.

Investigators suspect the wildlife contraband may have been routed through the Northeast corridor into neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, or Bangladesh , which are frequently used as transit points by organised wildlife crime syndicates before products reach buyers in parts of China and Southeast Asia .

Rhino horns are illegally trafficked for use in so-called traditional medicine , ornamental carvings, ceremonial dagger handles, and as luxury status symbols. Conservation agencies say there is no scientific evidence supporting medicinal claims associated with rhino horn, despite persistent demand in black markets.

Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung praised the operation, calling it a reflection of the government’s commitment to wildlife protection and organised crime prevention. He warned that wildlife trafficking continues to threaten ecological balance and India’s natural heritage.