Ahmedabad Police Uncover Major Exotic Animal and Snake Venom Racket
In a dramatic development, Ahmedabad police have exposed a sophisticated criminal network operating from a residential flat in the city's Navrangpura area. Within just 24 hours of raiding the premises and rescuing 50 exotic animals, investigators have discovered evidence pointing to a far-reaching operation involving the breeding of rare species, extraction of snake venom, and its distribution for recreational use at exclusive rave parties.
The Raid and Initial Findings
The operation began with a raid on Sunday that led to the arrest of the main accused, Manikanandan K Nadar (41). Officers discovered a cramped 10x12 room filled with cages containing a shocking variety of exotic animals including a baby red-handed tamarin, African grey parrots, blue-and-gold macaws, Persian cats, and Netherland dwarf rabbits. The conditions were described as unsanitary and posed significant public health risks due to potential zoonotic disease transmission.
The Venom Connection to Rave Parties
What initially appeared to be an exotic animal breeding and trading operation quickly revealed a more sinister dimension. Investigators believe the network was actively involved in procuring foreign snake species, extracting their venom, and funneling it to exclusive rave gatherings in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Kheda, and rural areas beyond.
"We found credible leads suggesting that the accused were involved in procuring foreign snake species and extracting venom," confirmed a senior crime branch officer. "The venom was allegedly diverted to invitation-only rave parties where participants seek altered consciousness through dangerous substances."
High-Value Recreational Market
Sources indicate that a single dose of venom from psycho-fauna such as certain snake species sells for as high as Rs 50,000 in this underground market. Abusers reportedly employ various methods to consume the venom, including allowing themselves to be bitten by small snakes, ingesting drops orally, or injecting it directly into the bloodstream.
While the psychoactive effects of snake venom remain scientifically contested, experts note that certain components can induce altered consciousness, mood shifts, lethargy, and blurred vision. The health dangers, however, are severe and well-documented.
Organized Network with International Links
Investigators now believe they have uncovered an organized operation that may span multiple states with several points of entry and distribution. "We are verifying whether the consignments were routed through customs channels and whether there was any collusion," the officer added.
Evidence suggests that several consignments may have been shipped through Chennai, indicating possible international smuggling routes. Police are currently sifting through bank records, call data, and seized digital devices to map the full scale of operations.
Multiple Agencies Involved
The case has now drawn in multiple government agencies. The customs department is examining the import-export trail of exotic species, while the forest department—which filed the initial wildlife complaint—is reviewing documentation uploaded on the PARIVESH portal after finding several entries incomplete or suspicious.
Meanwhile, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation officials are assessing potential public-health risks posed by the cramped, unsanitary housing of dozens of exotic animals.
Possible Links to Previous Cases
Investigators are also exploring possible connections to previous cases. "Earlier, Surat SOG arrested a man from Ahmedabad in a similar racket involving snake venom supply to parties in Surat and Ahmedabad," the officer revealed. "We are probing if the Navrangpura accused is linked to that case or operated independently."
According to sources, imported snakes were allegedly sold to certain pharmaceutical entities, while venom extracted from select species was specifically supplied to the rave party circuit.
Growing Concern Over Recreational Venom Use
The recreational use of snake venom—though rare and highly risky—has been sporadically documented in India. This case represents one of the most organized operations uncovered to date, highlighting a dangerous trend that blends wildlife crime with substance abuse in high-end party circuits.
The investigation continues as authorities work to dismantle what appears to be a sophisticated network exploiting exotic animals for profit while endangering public health and violating multiple wildlife protection laws.
