By IANS,
Balrampur (Uttar Pradesh) : Four poachers, including three from Nepal, have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh along with Sand Boa snakes, an endangered species, an official said Wednesday.
The four men were nabbed by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) late Tuesday after they were found moving suspiciously near Sohelwa forest range.
Two live Sand Boa snakes were recovered from their vehicle, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) V.P. Singh told reporters in Balrampur, some 300 km from Lucknow.
“The four were arrested while on their way to Nepal. They had caught the snakes from the forest in Lakhimpur Kheri district,” he added.
According to officials, Sand Boa snakes fetch very high price in international markets as they are used in preparation of some medicines.
Smuggling and trading Sand Boas is an offence under the Wild Life Preservation Act (WPA).