Three held for possessing 4 rare snakes worth Rs 5 crore
Four red sand boas referred to as ‘two-headed snakes’ were rescued from smugglers who claim to have caught them from the forests of Uttar Pradesh. These endangered snakes are in demand by superstitious buyers who think they bring good luck, cure AIDS etc. Police say that the snakes can fetch five crore rupees if sold in the black market.
MUMBAI: The Navi Mumbai police have arrested three men for trying to sell four red sand boas, a rare species popularly known as the ‘two-headed snake’.
The accused were in the city to look for superstitious customers who believe that sand boas, if kept at home, bring prosperity, said DCP (crime) Suresh Mengade. “The men have been probably smuggling out sand boas for at least two years. The four snakes, retrieved on Wednesday, can fetch Rs 5 crore in the black market.”
Poaching and sale of red sand boas are prohibited by the Wildlife Protection Act. “Their cost varies (depending on the customer and intended use). Some buy the snakes for use in black magic, while others buy them in the believe that they have medicinal values,” said range forest officer H Ahire.
MUMBAI: The Navi Mumbai police have arrested three men for trying to sell four red sand boas, a rare species popularly known as the ‘two-headed snake’.
The accused were in the city to look for superstitious customers who believe that sand boas, if kept at home, bring prosperity, said DCP (crime) Suresh Mengade. “The men have been probably smuggling out sand boas for at least two years. The four snakes, retrieved on Wednesday, can fetch Rs 5 crore in the black market.”
Poaching and sale of red sand boas are prohibited by the Wildlife Protection Act. “Their cost varies (depending on the customer and intended use). Some buy the snakes for use in black magic, while others buy them in the believe that they have medicinal values,” said range forest officer H Ahire.
