State Investigation Team, Lucknow1 hour ago
Famous YouTuber Elvish Yadav was accused of using snake venom for intoxication at parties in Noida. The question arose: Is snake bite intoxication being used in UP? If yes, why are people turning to this deadly addiction? How big is its network?
Dainik Bhaskar started an investigation to expose this drug trade and growing trend. Our reporters visited several clubs in Noida and Delhi-NCR. They befriended drug users. We received input that snake bite parties are increasing in Delhi-NCR, with youth from UP also attending.
Sources revealed that such parties are held in some clubs in Noida and the South Delhi area of Hauz Khas. We went there and befriended a dancer. The dancer explained the entire network of snake bite intoxication at these parties.
He said that this drug is something else. All other drugs in the world fail in comparison. After a few days of conversation, he introduced us to Shahrukh, who was outside the club. Shahrukh is a peddler and also supplies snakes for snake bites. He made several shocking revelations to us about this network.
Reporter: I need a snake bite, some friends have come from Canada.
Shahrukh: You won’t find this here. It’s a drug for the rich and it’s also banned. If the police find out, we’ll be jailed.
Reporter: Arrange it from somewhere, we’ll give you whatever money you ask for.
Shahrukh: Okay, I’ll talk tonight. A guy comes by 1 AM, he brings the drug supplies.
Reporter: When will you tell me?
Shahrukh: I will tell you by 2 AM tonight.
The next morning, Shahrukh called on WhatsApp. He informed that there is a settlement of snake charmers in Sonipat, Haryana, from where snakes are supplied to clubs in UP. He provided the name and address of the supplier, Karan Nath.
4 days later, we reached that settlement in Sonipat. To conceal our identity, we took a local female colleague with us. Being strangers, the suppliers were avoiding talking to us. It took 4 days to win their trust.
Finally, we met Karan Nath, the snake supplier, and his associate in a mud house.
Reporter: Brother, can we get snakes?
Karan Nath: Yes, you can get them. What for?
Reporter: Some friends have come from abroad. They want to get high on snake venom.
Karan Nath: Which snake do you need?
Reporter: Can I get cobra, krait, and sand boa?
Second Supplier: Will you take all of them?
Reporter: Yes, we’ll buy all of them.
Karan Nath: Okay, give me some time. I’ll talk and let you know.
After waiting for about an hour, we met both suppliers again at a nearby restaurant. The conversation here made it clear that the links of this network are spread across many people.
Reporter: We need the snakes in Noida. Can you bring them in your car?
Karan Nath: Yes, we’ll come in our own car.
Reporter : Will smaller snakes also be available, those with less venom?
Karan Nath : Yes, but for that, we’ll have to go to the jungle. It will take some time.
Reporter : Can you provide venom from a poisonous snake, but diluted?
Karan Nath : Yes, it will take 2-3 days. We will reduce the venom according to the desired intoxication.
Reporter : Something that causes intoxication but not death?
Karan Nath : Yes, I understand.
Reporter : Where have you supplied before?
Karan Nath : People take it to Ujjain, Mandi, Kasaul, and even Chandigarh.
Reporter : How long will it take for 16 hours of intoxication?
Karan Nath : We’ll do it in 2 days.
Reporter : How much will you charge for 5 people?
Karan Nath : 70 thousand rupees. Give 30 thousand as advance first.
Reporter : Make it 50 thousand.
Karan Nath: No, it won’t be less than 70 thousand. We have taken up to 1.5 to 2 lakh rupees from other people.
Reporter: First show the snake, we will give an advance after we like it.
Karan Nath: Okay.
After this, Karan showed us the snake. We recorded its visuals with a hidden camera. After that, we refused to make a deal by making an excuse. Our aim was to expose the entire network of snake venom intoxication, the important links of which had come before us.
The investigation revealed that this intoxication is done on-demand. That is, drug users in clubs and private parties call the supplier and get bitten by a snake. Due to this, we could not directly reach the drug users in these parties.
It’s deadly, yet why the addiction to snake bites?
A snake bite causes dizziness, deep lethargy, or unconsciousness. This is the effect of its venom. It is different from all other types of intoxication. This effect can last for up to 24 hours, whereas other intoxicants wear off in a few hours. That’s why some young people are attracted to it. But, it is extremely dangerous. The effect of the venom can paralyze the body. It can also lead to death.
Now, learn how to reduce snake venom
Poisonous snakes like cobras have so much venom that if they bite, death occurs within 12 to 24 hours. Supplier Karan said that they extract 90% of the cobra’s venom. After that, if it bites, there will be deep lethargy for 6-7 hours, but no death.
To reduce the venom, the snake’s mouth is held and it is made to bite into a box. When the snake bites the box, it releases venom. If a cobra bites 8-10 times continuously, the venom is exhausted.
