Maha: Sand Boa snakes worth Rs 1.2 crore seized, Two held

Acting on a tip-off, the Maharashtra police seized two sand boa snakes worth Rs 1.2 crore in Palghar. The accused were arrested and booked under several provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.

Palghar:Two Sand Boa snakes, a protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, were seized in Palghar district of Maharashtra.

Acting on a tip-off, the police kept a watch on the suspects and seized the snakes, worth around Rs 1.2 crore in the illegal wildlife market, near the Nallasopara railway station on Saturday evening, senior police inspector Jitendra Vankoti said.

The accused - Shashant Mudaliar (32) and Mosin Qureshi (30)- were subsequently arrested while the duo was trying to sell the reptiles.

Sand Boas are used for making certain medicines, cosmetics, and are in huge demand in the international black market.

The two accused were booked under relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.