Inter-state snake venom racket busted in Balasore, 26 cobras rescued

In a major breakthrough, Forest department officials busted an inter-state snake venom racket at Panchupali area in Balasore district on Wednesday and arrested three persons including a woman in connection with the case.

Acting on the tip off, officials of Balasore forest division conducted a raid at Panchupali area in Balaipal in the district and arrested three persons for their involvement in the racket.

Besides, the Forest department officials also rescued 26 cobras from their possession, sources added.

The members of racket used to catch snakes from different location of the State and extract venom from them. They used to sell these venom at very high price, sources informed.

“After getting information about the illegal snake venom trade, we informed the same to the Forest department official. 
Subsequently, a raid was carried out and the smugglers were arrested,” said Suvendu Mallick, secretary of Snake Helpline.

“The snake chambers where the venomous cobra were kept are different from the usual one. The chambers were built in plastic with holes in them. I believe many other peoples are involved in the racket,” Mallick added.

Meanwhile, the Forest department officials are likely to grill the three smugglers to ascertain more facts about the racket and people associated with it.