The anti-poaching flying squad of the Tirupati Wildlife Division seized more than a tonne of red sanders logs worth more than Rs. 2 crore and two vehicles, besides arresting some smugglers at Devarakonda in Chamala range of the Seshachalam hills in the early hours of Monday.
DFO (flying squad) Mr. Pawan Kumar said the squad members came across a group of men loading the logs into the two SUVs at the forest location.
Finding the raid party, some woodcutters escaped, but those in the vehicles were arrested. “We have detained some persons, and investigations are on,” the official said.
There are also reports that a Tamil Nadu-based smuggler, Vasanth, was arrested during the raid.
Meanwhile, the Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force and the Forest Task Force personnel of Bhakarapet, Chamala and SV National Park ranges have intensified combing operations along the western side of the Seshachalam hills.
Combing operations intensified along the western
side of the Seshachalam hills
