In a first-of-its-kind seizure in Gujarat, the Special Operations Group (SOG) police raided Patel Marriage Bureau, Laskana on Tuesday and confiscated 6.5 ml of high-purity cobra venom valued at Rs 5.85 crore. Seven individuals were arrested in connection with the case.
The main accused, Mansukh Dhinaiya (67), runs the marriage bureau, while Chiman Bhuva (60) and five others—Samir Panchal, Praveen Shah, Ketan Shah, Makrand Kulkarni, and Prashant Shah—had transported the venom from Vadodara to Surat for sale.
The venom was supplied by Ghanshyam Soni from Ahmedabad. Acting on a tip-off, SOG Inspector A P Chaudhary and Sub-Inspector R M Solanki laid a trap, intercepting the accused during the handover at the marriage bureau.
According to SOG DCP Rajdeep Nakum, this seizure marks the first high-value cobra venom bust in Gujarat, and the accused have been handed over to the Forest Department for prosecution under the Wildlife Protection Act pending forensic confirmation.
Cobra venom has several legitimate medical uses, including treatment for high blood pressure, leprosy, heart attack, and certain cancers. However, it is sometimes misused recreationally at parties, where live snakes or venom may be used for thrill-seeking activities.
