Red Sandalwood Smuggling: Police have uncovered a major red sandalwood smuggling operation on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway at Urse toll plaza. The police got a tip beforehand. Officials busted a truck carrying 15 tonnes of illegally transported red sandalwood. Two individuals have been detained, and further investigations are underway. The sized items are estimated to be worth more than 10 crore Indian Rupees.
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Upon inspection, they found logs of red sandalwood smuggling hidden inside. Officials believe the red sandalwood was headed for international markets, where red sandalwood fetches high prices. The driver and one other detained. The truck was headed from Karnataka.
Red sandalwood, also called Pterocarpus santalinus, is highly prized in countries like China and Japan. It is used in luxury furniture, medicine, and religious rituals. Due to its rarity and high demand, smugglers often try to transport it illegally. India has strict laws against its trade, but trafficking continues.
A senior officer Vijay Dhamal was leading the operation. Red sandalwood is a protected species under Indian law. Illegal trading can lead to severe penalties, including heavy fines and jail time. This latest bust highlights the efforts of law enforcement to curb environmental crimes and illegal smuggling.
