Assam: BSF foil wildlife trafficking bid in Dhubri, rescues over 200 protected Sand Boas

The Border Security Force (BSF) at Ghewmari, Dhubri district, thwarted an attempt to smuggle 202 Common Sand Boas, a protected species under Indian law. The operation, carried out on Thursday, also led to the arrest of two individuals from West Bengal.

The accused, identified as Arif Mal and Talib Mal — both brother and residents of Marakpur village in Habra, North 24 Parganas — were apprehended by BSF personnel stationed at the Sealdah Border Outpost. The duo was found transporting the snakes, hidden in sacks, through the sensitive border zone.

Preliminary inquiries suggest that Arif and Talib, who claim to follow a nomadic way of life, had been staying at a lodge in Dhubri town for an extended period. The unusually large number of rescued snakes has raised suspicions of a wider trafficking syndicate, prompting deeper investigations by authorities to trace the network’s reach and connections.

The Common Sand Boa (Eryx johnii), primarily native to southern India, is a non-venomous snake listed under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Trafficking in this species is a punishable offense, given its rising demand in the illegal pet trade, black magic rituals, and superstitious practices. Often believed to possess mystical powers, these snakes are frequently targeted by traffickers seeking high profits in the underground market.

BSF officials noted that the swift intervention not only safeguarded the lives of the reptiles but also delivered a significant blow to ongoing wildlife smuggling activities along the Indo-Bangladesh border.

Both detainees are currently in custody, and the Forest Department has launched a comprehensive probe to uncover the full scale of the racket, including the intended destination of the seized snakes.