The Forest Department seized red sanders worth lakhs of rupees from two places in Tiruvallur district on Sunday. One of the seizures was made during a raid on a house where logs were packed for transport.
The Puzhal police received information about suspicious movement of vehicles in Annai Indira Nagar, Cholavaram, and alerted the nearest police station. During investigation, it was found that red sanders logs were being packed in a small house in the locality.
Along with Forest Department officials, the police raided the place. “However, there was no one there. Cardboard boxes, clothes and red sanders weighing nearly two tonnes were found in the house. We are trying to identify the owners. The residents said they had seen vehicles loading and unloading logs near the house,” said a police officer.
Forest officers are ascertaining the value of the seizure. “The wood smuggled from Andhra Pradesh is brought to such packing units and is later smuggled abroad,” the officer added.
Vehicle check
Meanwhile, based on specific information about red sanders smuggling, Rufus Lesly, Red Hills Range Forest officer and staff conducted vehicle checks in Pennalurpet, Tiruvallur, on Sunday morning. “We stopped an SUV and two persons who were inside fled the spot. We found 13 logs weighing 800 kg,” said the officer.
“We are trying to trace the owner of the vehicle,” said the Forest officer.
Forest officials said there was an urgent need to increase manpower. “Only then can we curb smuggling. Besides, the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department should be more vigilant,” said an officer.
