Man arrested in Dimapur for illegal possession of rhino horn worth Rs. 1.5 cr

Dimapur: Dimapur Police Thursday nabbed a person for illegal possession of a rhino horn, that is estimated to be worth around Rs. 1.5 crore in the international market. The horn has been seized from the accused, Peter Lotha, and a case has been registered against him at the Dimapur West Police Station.

"One person Peter Lotha arrested for illegal possession of a rhino horn, worth Rs 1.5 crore in international market.Case registered in West PS," read a tweet sent out from the official Twitter profile of the Dimapur Police. A picture of the smuggled horn was also shared.

Rhino poaching continues to be a major concern in the Northeast Indian region, with rhino carcasses being discovered at the Kaziranga National Park -- the natural habitat of the one-horned rhinoceros -- from time-to-time. The horns smuggled from the Northeast find their way to international markets, where they are prized and valued very highly. The horns of the rhinos are made into decorative ornaments and sold in the market for exorbitant prices.

In some cases, rhino horns are sometimes bought for the sole purpose of being gifted to others; to family members, business colleagues or people in positions of authority. Those purchasing rhino horn believe that owning rhino horn, as well as being able to purchase it for others, reaffirms their social status and strengthens the bonds among peers within their particular network. 

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