KATHMANDU: Police on Wednesday held two teens in possession of a red panda hide.

The World Wildlife Fund has listed the conservation status of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) as vulnerable.

The arrestees have been identified as Laxman Adhikari  (19)  of Baramchi-7 and  Pravin Nepal (19) of Phulpingdanda-8, both  in Sindhupalchok district.

Acting on a tip-off, a team deployed from Metropolitan Police Circle, Baneshwor arrested the duo from Okhaldhunga Restaurant in New Baneshwor, KMC-34, while they were transacting the sale of the red panda hide at Rs 600,000.

Police are investigating into the case.