Palamu, Jharkhand: Jharkhand Police have successfully cracked a major snake venom smuggling operation, arresting three traffickers and seizing snake venom worth ₹80 crore. The investigation revealed that the venom trade has international connections, with buyers awaiting deliveries beyond state borders.
Operation and Arrests
The arrests were made in a special police operation in Palamu district, following intelligence inputs that a significant consignment of snake venom was being transported from Jharkhand to neighboring Bihar. Acting swiftly, police apprehended three venom traffickers from Aurangabad, Bihar—Seraj Miyan (father-son duo) from Naya Bazar Chandni Chowk, Meraz Rangrez, and one other individual. During interrogation, the traffickers admitted to capturing venomous snakes from forests and extracting venom, often employing members of the Nat community, known for their snake-handling skills.
International Network and Demand
After extraction, the venom was packed in small containers and sent through the gang’s network to senior traffickers, who sell it at high prices, generating enormous profits. Preliminary investigation suggests that the consignment was intended for a foreign buyer stationed in a neighboring state. Police are now probing the broader international links of this trafficking network and investigating how long the gang has been active.
Police Statement
A senior officer stated that this seizure represents one of the largest crackdowns on snake venom smuggling in the region. The investigation aims to dismantle the entire supply chain, from forest poaching to international distribution.
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