Bangkok, Nov 14 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Thai Customs Tuesday seized 600 live cobras apparently destined for restaurants in Laos, where they are considered an aphrodisiac.
The reptiles, with an estimated value of 500,000 baht ($16,000), were found hidden in a truck in Prachuap Khiri, some 200 km from Bangkok, customs head Benja Louichareon said.
The snakes, which were brought from Malaysia, are believed in some quarters to cure impotence and erectile dysfunction.
The driver said it was not the first time he was transporting cobras. He has been charged with violating Thailand's nature protection law.
The snakes are to be released into the wild.