Cobra bite case prompts investigation, busts exotic animal trafficking ring in Brazil

A probe into a rare cobra's bite, that severely injured a student, is reported to have busted an exotic animal trafficking ring in Brazil. As per reports, a mocled cobra -- which is native to Asia -- bit 22-year-old Pedro Krambeck Lehmkuhl in Brasilia that raised questions about rare snake species ending up at boy’s apartment.

In a detailed probe that followed, at least 16 exotic snakes, three sharks, a moray eel, and a Tupinambis lizard were reportedly retrieved at a property of victim's friend. 

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As per reports, snake, identified as an exotic animal by police, raised suspicion after its bite was found to be so vemous that medics had to import anti-vem shots from Sao Paulo.

subsequent probe busted an exotic species smuggling ring and two officials at Brazilian environmental regulator (IBAMA) were reportedly expelled over fake import permits issued to several wildlife traffickers.

Among people that came under police’s radar were student's mor and stepfar, his friend, also a police colonel. accused were penalised for 8,500 reals (approximately $1,600) and were slapped with ‘obstructing justice' charges, as per reports.  

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Victim fined for $ 11,000

Meanwhile, victim after being admitted to hospital was able to recover over course of six days. He was later discharged and investigated by cops. He was also slapped with $11,000 fine, as per report.

snake, that accused had confined was found to be a rare cobra, termed as “Naja" in Portuguese langu. reptile was released by victim's friend with an intention to distort evidence after incident but it was caught near a shopping complex.

(With ncy inputs)

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