Snake smuggling gang active in Thiruvananthapuram; Intelligence report out

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Venomous snakes caught even from homes are covertly handed to smuggling gangs, says the confidential report filed by Forest Intelligence and Vigilance. The smuggling is mostly for taking out the venom. However, the report does not provide information on the exact location where the reptiles are taken. The report also demands further investigation.

There are also reports of a few forest officials abetting in this crime. The snakes caught are being transferred without being recorded in the Sarpa app or the GD register. There are also allegations that the Forest Department is not taking action despite receiving reports in this regard earlier.

It was discovered that the poisonous snakes captured by the officer in the Palode Range were not released into the forest. Intelligence had suspected that these snakes were handed over to gangs for trafficking venom and had requested an investigation. The Forest Vigilance, which conducted further investigation, also confirmed the allegation. However, no further action was taken.

Snake smugglers were arrested from Kollam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta areas and handed over to the territorial division, but no further investigation was carried out. The investigation was completed by excluding the gang's previous business and transactions. It is alleged that the investigation was sabotaged by smugglers through political and bureaucratic influence.

When snakes are caught and released, information should be recorded in the Sarpa app and the RRT register. GPS information of the place of capture and the place of release should be recorded. A two-headed snake that is smuggled abroad can fetch anywhere from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 25 lakh in the international market. Cobras, vipers, and king cobras are smuggled for the sole purpose and drawing out the venom.

Snake venom is worth crores of rupees in the international market, which is used to manufacture medicines, including antivenom. However, private companies are not allowed to manufacture medicines using snake venom in the country. Intelligence also points out that the influence of smuggling gangs is strong in the Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta districts.