22 Nepalis caught smuggling Yartsa Gumba in Valley of Flowers National Park

Twenty two persons belonging to Nepal were arrested from several places near Ghangharia, the base camp of Valley of Flowers National Park in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, District Chamoli, Uttarakhand, INDIA, who were trying to smuggle Yartsa Gambu or the Chinese caterpillar mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis) which costs Rupees 10 lakh per kg ($ 20000/kg) in the local market and much more in the international market. It is used as an aphrodisiac as well as for strength and used especially by athletes as it is not detected in the dope test. The smugglers are found to have links with high profile people. The details are awaited. Will post them soon.

BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS FOR SALE

Butterflies and Moths are being smuggled on a large scale from India, Nepal, Bhutan and several other South-East Asian nations as they have a good demand and market in China, Thailand and also in western nations. This picture is of a open market in Bangkok. They also provide fake CITES certificate if you want to be safe at the airport!