Cobra venom worth 75 crore taka recovered in capital

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested six members of an international smuggling racket along with nearly nine kilograms venom of cobra snakes worth 75 crore taka from Dakhsin Khan area in the capital. The information was delivered by RAB media wing on Friday.

It was informed that six people were arrested along with the venom on Thursday afternoon. The arrested are- Masud Rana (24), Safir Uddin Shanu (50), Tamjidul Islam alias Monir (34), Alamgir Hossain (26), Firoza Begum (57) and Asma Begum (42).

RAB-2 Assistant Director (Media) SP Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun said that based on intelligence information they came to know that some members of an international smuggling racket had been taking position along with huge quantity of snake venom at Gulbar Munshi Sarani area under ward number 50 of Dakshin Khan in the capital. After getting the information RAB team reached the spot at 3:20 pm. Sensing their presence the smugglers tried to run away but six were captured from the spot.

He said, at first they denied about smuggling venom. Later 8 kg 96 grams (including the jars) venom was recovered from their possession after searching the bags. The approximate price of the venom is 75 crore taka. Besides, CD related to snake venom, manual and mobile phones were seized from them.

The RAB officer also said, after primary interrogation it was known that there is huge demand of venom to a particular class of people. For that reason they collect and supply venom from different parts of the world to be benefitted financially. They are the members of international venom smuggling racket. Besides they have delivered more important information which is under verification.

AH