SURAT NEWS: In one of the most sensational crackdowns in recent years, Surat’s Special Operations Group (SOG) police have uncovered an illegal trade involving cobra venom worth nearly ₹6 crore, exposing a dark underworld that links wildlife crime, drug abuse, and international black markets. The seizure, believed to be the first of its kind in Gujarat at this scale, has sent shockwaves across law enforcement agencies and raised serious concerns about the misuse of snake venom in high-profile rave parties
According to official sources, the police seized approximately 6.5 millilitres of cobra venom, an extremely rare and highly regulated substance, from a network of accused who were attempting to sell it in Surat. The estimated international market value of the seized venom stands at ₹5.85 crore, calculated at nearly ₹90 lakh per millilitre. Seven people have been arrested in connection with the case, while a major supplier based in Ahmedabad is currently absconding.
This major development has placed SURAT NEWS at the center of national attention, as investigators now unravel what could be one of the largest illegal wildlife-venom trafficking networks uncovered in western India.
First-of-Its-Kind Seizure in Gujarat
Senior police officials confirmed that this is the first time in Gujarat’s history that cobra venom of such high value and purity has been seized. Acting on precise intelligence, the Surat SOG team, along with Laskana police, conducted a carefully planned operation that led to the arrest of seven accused individuals who were allegedly negotiating a multi-crore deal.
The venom was being transported and stored with extreme caution, indicating the high level of sophistication involved in the operation. Investigators believe the accused were fully aware of the venom’s astronomical value and its demand in underground markets, both within India and abroad.
Who Are the Arrested Accused?
Police have identified the seven arrested individuals as a mix of residents from Surat and Vadodara, revealing a well-coordinated inter-city network.
The accused include:
- Mansukh Ghinaiya (67) – Surat, runs a marriage bureau
- Chiman Bhuva (60) – Vadodara
- Sameer Panchal (41) – Vadodara
- Pravin Shah (74) – Vadodara
- Ketan Shah (50) – Vadodara
- Makarand Kulkarni (54) – Vadodara
- Prashant Shah (40) – Surat
Police officials revealed that five of the accused are from Vadodara, while two are residents of Surat. Among them is also a Vadodara-based advocate, adding another layer of seriousness to the case.
Ahmedabad Jeweller at the Centre of the Network
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the cobra venom was sourced from an Ahmedabad-based jeweller, identified as Ghanshyam Soni, who is believed to be the main mastermind behind the operation. Soni, who resides near the RTO Circle in Ahmedabad, is currently on the run.
According to investigators, Soni allegedly supplied the venom to intermediaries in Vadodara, including Prashant Shah and Makarand Kulkarni, who then coordinated with contacts in Surat to finalize the deal.
Police sources state that the final deal was fixed at a staggering ₹9 crore, with commissions pre-decided for every individual involved. However, before the transaction could be completed, the Surat SOG swooped in and foiled the plan in a dramatic operation.
How the Deal Was Planned in Surat
Investigators disclosed that the accused had been actively spreading their network in areas such as Laskana and Sarthana in Surat. Mansukh Ghinaiya, who runs a marriage bureau in the city, played a crucial role in connecting potential buyers.
Meetings were held discreetly, and the venom was shown only to select individuals. The police believe that the buyers were either linked to pharmaceutical intermediaries or underground party circuits where cobra venom is illegally used as an intoxicant.
Thanks to timely intelligence and swift action, the police managed to intercept the deal before the venom could change hands.
Cobra Venom: Medicine or Deadly Intoxicant?
Cobra venom is one of the most potent natural toxins known to science. In controlled environments, it has legitimate medical uses. It is a critical component in:
- Blood pressure medications
- Drugs that prevent blood clotting
- Certain heart attack prevention therapies
- Anti-venom production for snakebite treatment
However, law enforcement officials warn that in recent years, cobra venom has increasingly been misused for recreational intoxication, particularly in elite rave parties.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (SOG) Rajdeep Singh Nakum explained that the venom is strictly prohibited for private trade and that its illegal circulation poses a massive risk to public health.
Venom and Rave Parties: A Disturbing Trend
Investigators believe that a portion of the seized venom was intended for use in high-profile rave parties, where it is consumed through dangerous methods popularly known as “snake bite intoxication.”
In such cases, individuals allow snakes to bite specific body parts, including the tongue or toes, to experience a prolonged hallucinatory high. Medical experts warn that even a minor miscalculation in venom dosage can lead to paralysis, respiratory failure, or death.
Officials say this trend, once considered rare, is now spreading quietly among select circles in metropolitan cities.
Forest Department Joins the Investigation
Following the seizure, the Forest Department has joined the investigation. Since cobra venom extraction and trade fall under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the accused are likely to face stringent charges once laboratory reports confirm the venom’s origin and purity.
Authorities are also examining whether the venom was extracted from wild-caught cobras or illegally farmed snakes, both of which constitute serious wildlife crimes.
Illegal Wildlife Trade: Ahmedabad to Surat Link
This case has exposed a clear trail of illegal wildlife trade stretching from Ahmedabad to Surat via Vadodara. Police believe that this network may have international connections, given the venom’s pricing and demand in overseas markets.
Experts say that India, along with countries like China, Malaysia, and Indonesia, has become a hotspot for illegal snake venom trade due to high biodiversity and weak enforcement in remote areas.
Global Context: Snake Species and Venom Demand
Worldwide, there are more than 3,000 species of snakes, while India alone is home to over 320 species. Among them:
- Around 60 species are highly venomous
- About 40 species are mildly venomous
- Over 180 species are non-venomous
Snakes are broadly classified into four major families:
- Elapidae – Includes cobras and kraits; venom is neurotoxic
- Colubridae – Largest family; mostly non-venomous
- Viperidae – Hemotoxic venom; includes Russell’s viper
- Hydrophiinae – Sea snakes, some of which are highly venomous
Cobra venom, belonging to the Elapidae family, is among the most sought-after due to its medical and illegal recreational demand.
Snake Venom as Medicine and Liquor
Globally, the snake venom market was valued at approximately ₹5.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to ₹8.5 billion by 2033. Pharmaceutical companies legally use venom compounds to develop life-saving drugs for cancer, arthritis, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.
However, in countries like China and Vietnam, venom is also used to produce snake wine, a controversial alcoholic beverage made by fermenting snakes in alcohol. Though believed by some to have medicinal properties, the trade and consumption of snake wine often occur illegally.
How the Illegal Snake Venom Market Works
According to reports, the price of cobra venom can range from ₹4,000 to ₹26,000 per gram in domestic illegal markets, depending on toxicity and purity. In international markets, prices soar even higher, with some varieties selling for over $150 per gram.
The most shocking figures involve king cobra venom, where illegally traded quantities can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars per gallon.
Laws Against Snake Venom Trafficking in India
India has strict laws to curb such crimes, including:
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992
Violators can face long prison terms, heavy fines, and permanent bans from wildlife-related activities.
Shocking Medical Case Studies: Snake Venom as a Drug
Medical journals have documented disturbing cases where snake venom was used as an intoxicant.
Case Study 1
A 22-year-old hospital ward boy addicted to brown sugar began using snake bites when drugs lost their effect. For ₹2,500 per bite, he allowed a green snake to bite his tongue or thumb, resulting in hallucinations and prolonged unconsciousness.
Case Study 2
Another 22-year-old sanitation worker was introduced to snake-bite intoxication at a rave party in Mumbai. After consuming drugs, he allowed a snake to bite his tongue, experiencing a 12 to 14-hour high.
Case Study 3
A 28-year-old snake charmer from Ranchi accidentally discovered the intoxicating effects of venom and remained under its influence for nearly a week, eventually replacing alcohol addiction with snake-bite dependency.
Dangerous Methods of Venom Intoxication
According to narcotics officials, methods include:
- Provoking snakes to bite toes, fingers, lips, or tongue
- Keeping snakes in bottles and placing body parts near their fangs
- Using powdered venom mixed into drinks, known as “serpent venom powder”
The duration of intoxication can range from a few hours to an entire day, depending on dosage.
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What Lies Ahead?
The biggest challenge for Surat police now is arresting Ghanshyam Soni, the alleged supplier. His capture could reveal:
- The true source of the cobra venom
- Whether snakes were poached or farmed
- Links to international wildlife trafficking gangs
Police believe that the interrogation of the arrested accused may lead to further high-profile arrests in the coming days.
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Conclusion
The ₹6 crore cobra venom seizure is more than just a successful police operation. It is a stark reminder of how wildlife crime, drug abuse, and organized crime are increasingly interconnected. As SURAT NEWS continues to follow this unfolding story, the case stands as a wake-up call for stricter enforcement, greater awareness, and stronger action against those exploiting nature for profit and pleasure.
This landmark operation has not only protected wildlife but may also have prevented a potentially deadly substance from entering illegal party circuits, saving countless lives in the process.
