Thane police bust wildlife smuggling ring with cobra venom worth Rs 5.2 crore
Five individuals were arrested in Maharashtra after police seized more than 500 mg of cobra venom during a trap in Kashigaon.
Thane police dismantled an alleged wildlife smuggling syndicate on Thursday, seizing over 500 mg of cobra venom valued at Rs 5.2 crore in the illegal market, according to Rediff.
The Crime Detection Unit laid a trap near Dodia Petrol Pump in the Kashigaon area on October 29 following a tip-off. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Mira Road Division) Ganpat Pingle told reporters that Mohammed Danish Fayim Khan, 23, and Abdul Karim Rashid Ahmed Shaikh, 51, were caught with two glass vials containing 250 mg and 260 mg of venom.
A third suspect, Faizan Abdul Aziz, 30, was also apprehended at the spot. Police seized a motorcycle and three mobile phones during the operation.
Interrogation and technical follow-ups led the investigation team to two suppliers based in the Trombay area of Mumbai's Mankhurd. Faruk Ali Abdul Ali, 37, and Noor Mohammed Wali Mohammed Shaikh, 47, were also arrested.
The Kashigaon police have registered a case against the five accused under relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.