In a significant operation, the Special Operations Group police in Surat made a major breakthrough on Tuesday. They seized 6.5 ml of high-purity cobra venom with a market value of Rs 5.85 crore. The raid took place at Patel Marriage Bureau in the Laskana area, leading to the arrest of seven individuals.
First Such Seizure in Gujarat
Police authorities confirmed this seizure as the first of its kind in Gujarat. The operation unfolded after SOG inspector A P Chaudhary and sub-inspector R M Solanki received a crucial tip-off. They promptly set up a trap to catch the suspects red-handed.
How the Operation Unfolded
An undercover customer approached two Surat residents, Mansukh Dhinaiya and Chiman Bhuva. Dhinaiya, aged 67, runs the marriage bureau, while Bhuva, 60, is an embroidery businessman. Both were actively searching for buyers in the city for the venom.
After negotiations, the duo finalized a deal worth Rs 9.10 crore with their associates from Vadodara. Five accused then traveled from Vadodara to Surat carrying the venom. They arrived at the marriage bureau to complete the transaction and exchange the venom for cash.
At that precise moment, SOG teams moved in. They confiscated the venom and arrested all seven suspects on the spot.
The Accused and Their Roles
The arrested individuals include the two Surat residents mentioned earlier. The five from Vadodara are Samir Panchal (41), Praveen Shah (74), Ketan Shah (50), Makrand Kulkarni (54), and Prashant Shah (40).
According to police statements, the prime accused is Ahmedabad-based Ghanshyam Soni. He supplied the venom to Kulkarni and Prashant Shah initially. These two then enlisted their friends to help find customers, which ultimately brought them to Surat.
Legal Proceedings and Statements
SOG DCP Rajdeep Nakum provided details about the case. He emphasized that this marks the first time venom worth Rs 5.85 crore has been seized with seven accused. Police have handed over the accused to the forest department.
The forest department will book them under The Wildlife Protection Act once forensic reports are submitted. This step ensures proper legal action against the wildlife crime.
Uses and Misuses of Snake Venom
Snake venom serves several legitimate medicinal purposes. It plays a crucial role in preparing drugs for treating conditions like high blood pressure and leprosy. Medical professionals also use it in medicines for heart attack patients.
Interestingly, anti-venom administered after snake bites is produced from snake venom itself. Researchers additionally utilize venom in developing certain cancer treatment medicines.
Beyond medical applications, some people misuse snake venom for entertainment. Instances include consumption or use at rave parties for recreational purposes. In extreme cases, live snakes are used to give so-called "snack bites" to participants seeking thrills.
This Surat case highlights both the valuable and dangerous aspects of snake venom, underscoring the importance of strict enforcement against illegal trade.
