In a significant crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, the forest department in Buxar has successfully dismantled a smuggling racket dealing with the protected red sand boa snake. The operation, which led to the detention of three individuals, was the result of a coordinated effort between a specialized team from Delhi and local officials.
Late-Night Raid Nets Wanted Criminal
Acting on specific intelligence provided by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), authorities conducted a raid in the Koiarpurwa locality under the Town police station area late on Tuesday night. The raid, confirmed by Buxar SP Shubham Arya on Wednesday, was executed by officials from the Ara–Buxar forest range. In a strategic move, members of the raiding team posed as potential buyers to negotiate a deal, which paved the way for the crackdown.
Among those detained was Indrajit Singh alias Koairi, a wanted criminal who had recently been released after serving a sentence in a murder case. The second suspect was identified as Jairam Singh, also from Koiarpurwa. The identity of the third individual taken into custody has not been disclosed by the police as the investigation proceeds.
Snake Rescued, Suspects in Judicial Custody
Pradyuman Gaurav, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Bhojpur division, provided details of the operation that took place on the night of December 2–3. He stated that one live red sand boa was recovered from the suspects. Following the necessary court permissions, the rare snake was safely released back into its natural habitat. The detained individuals have been remanded to judicial custody.
The forest department is now intensifying its probe into wider wildlife smuggling networks active in the Shahabad region. A senior forest official emphasized the department's unwavering commitment to curbing wildlife trafficking, noting that the red sand boa is a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, and trading it constitutes a serious offense.
High Black-Market Value Drives Illegal Trade
The red sand boa, often mistaken for a two-headed snake due to its blunt tail that resembles a head, is a rare species that commands exorbitant prices in the black market. Snake rescue expert Hari Om explained the shocking economics behind the trade, noting that a 4-foot long red sand boa can fetch between Rs 2 to 3 crore.
This high value is primarily driven by superstition and illegal practices. The species is erroneously believed to be used in certain tantric rituals and traditional preparations claiming to enhance sexual health. Commonly found along the Ganges belt, the red sand boa remains a prime target for smugglers catering to both domestic and international illicit markets. Authorities have reiterated that possession or trade of this species is a punishable offence under the law.
The successful operation in Buxar highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination and undercover work in combating the lucrative and damaging trade in protected wildlife.
