Mumbai Police Foil Illegal Red Sand Boa Sale, Arrest Four

Mumbai Police arrested four individuals attempting to illegally sell a red sand boa snake, an endangered species. The suspects were apprehended near Maker Chambers following a tip-off. The snake, valued at Rs 30 lakh, was seized and handed to authorities.

Mumbai Police have successfully intercepted an illegal wildlife trade operation, arresting four individuals attempting to sell a red sand boa snake. This snake, categorized as an endangered species under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, was seized during a sting operation conducted on Tuesday.

The suspects, identified as Narsingh Dhoti, Shiva Adap from Telangana, and Mumbai residents Ravi Bhoir and Arvind Gupta, were apprehended near Maker Chambers in a premeditated police approach. Authorities were tipped off about the illicit sale, intended for medicinal use and black magic.

Police officials stopped a suspicious SUV, recovering the 55-inch long snake weighing around 5 kg. The red sand boa, with an estimated market value of Rs 30 lakh, has been handed over to the forest department. Offenders face charges under relevant legal sections.

(With inputs from agencies.)