15-lbs of cobra venom worth over Rs 200-crore seized from smugglers

The forest department in Jalpaiguri arrested four persons while they were smuggling 15lbs of Cobra venom worth more than Rs 200 crore in international black market. The origin of the venom is believed to be France and the consignment was on its way to Bhutan via Bangladesh, Balurghat and Siliguri.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 16 October 2016.

The recovery was made by the Belakoba range office staffers who arrested the persons from a hotel in Siliguri. They posed as prospective buyers and lured the smugglers to get hold of the venom after two days' effort. Along with the venom, firearm, four rounds of live cartridges and a vehicle were also seized. The venom was inside five bullet-proof jars made of Belgium glass.
The seized venom is worth over Rs 200 crore in international black market and its likely final destination was probably China where it is used to make several medicines. The venom is used in making narcotic drugs which are in high demand in rave parties.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


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