In a shocking discovery, forest officials in Maharashtra's Pune city have arrested two persons and recovered 115 snakes and 25 ml of venom from their possession.
The reptiles recovered included 70 cobras and 45 Ghana snakes.
Acting on a tip-off, the police laid a trap and arrested the duo, identified as Ranjeet Pandharinath Khorge (37) and Dhananjay (30), from a residential colony in Pune city.
The seized venom has been sent to the forensic laboratory for examination.
Further investigations are underway.
Several compounds of the specific venoms are used in anti-cancer treatment and in various other medicinal purposes.
Smuggling and poaching of snakes is common in India. Demand for its venom and skin is high, both of which fetch high prices in the traditional black market.
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