GUWAHATI: In a massive blow to wildlife crime, Assam authorities have apprehended over 40 individuals under the year-long ‘Operation Falcon’, an intensive crackdown on rhino poaching networks. The arrests, which include several individuals with suspected connections to international crime syndicates, signal a major disruption in the illegal trade of rhino horns.
The sustained operation, initiated in 2024 following a spike in rhino killings, has been a collaborative effort between the Assam Police and the state’s forest department. According to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the drive has been a ‘ruthless chase,’ employing a mix of traditional on-ground surveillance and cutting-edge digital intelligence to zero in on suspects. “Operation Falcon — breaking the back of poaching and illegal animal trade,” Sarma posted on social media, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment.
So far, a total of 42 arrests have been made across various districts, including Biswanath, Darrang, Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, Sonitpur, Udalguri, Dibrugarh, and Cachar. The operation has successfully disrupted key interstate and international trafficking routes, with some of the networks linked to the illegal trade flowing through Myanmar. Authorities are optimistic that this concerted effort will lead to a significant drop in poaching incidents in the state. Rhino horns, which are the main target for poachers due to a baseless belief in their medicinal properties, have long been a key driver of these illicit wildlife trade networks. The Chief Minister has vowed that the operation will continue until Assam is completely free of the poaching menace.
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