Indian national arrested in Nepal with rhino horn, drugs

AGENCIES, KATHMANDU, JANUARY 9, 2024 : An Indian national was arrested in eastern Nepal on Wednesday on charges of possessing a rhino horn and narcotic drugs, police said. Acting on a tip-off, a special team of Nepal Police apprehended Narayan Ramdham, a resident of North Mendabari, West Bengal, at the Himalaya Guest House in Kakarbhitta, Mechinagar Municipality, Jhapa, near the Nepal-India border.

During a raid on Room 102 of the guest house at around 3:30 PM, authorities recovered a rhino horn weighing 1.7 kilograms, 2.8 grams of brown sugar wrapped in plastic, 144 Pyeevon Spas Plus tablets, a digital weighing machine, and two mobile phones. The rhino horn, concealed in a box labeled "Intex," was among the key items seized.

Police Inspector Mehegi Lhamu Tamang confirmed that the rhino horn has been sent to a laboratory for further investigation, while the suspect remains in custody at the Area Police Office in Kakarbhitta.

The operation was carried out by a joint team from the District Police Office and the Area Police Office, Kakarbhitta, following secret information about illegal activities in the area. Investigations are underway to determine the origins and intended destination of the contraband.

This arrest highlights ongoing efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and drug smuggling in the region, particularly along the Nepal-India border.