Lucknow: A joint team of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the forest department arrested three alleged smugglers and seized white sandalwood worth approximately ₹20 lakh in the Harraya Satgharwa area of Balrampur district.
Seizure Details
Officials reported that eight logs of white sandalwood, along with a car and a motorcycle used for transportation, were recovered during the operation. Preliminary investigations suggest the consignment may have been intended for individuals associated with the perfume industry.
Arrested Accused
The arrested accused have been identified as Sushil Pandey and Satyendra Singh, both residents of Kanpur, and Mahesh, a resident of Kannauj.
Value of White Sandalwood
According to forest officials, white sandalwood is a highly valuable forest product widely used in the manufacture of perfumes, incense sticks, aromatic products, and religious offerings. Its limited availability and high commercial demand make it a frequent target for smugglers.
Operation Details
Vankatwa range officer Shatrughan Lal stated that the SSB received intelligence inputs indicating a group of individuals was transporting sandalwood in a red-coloured car. Acting on the tip-off, teams laid a trap and apprehended the culprits.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of eight logs of white sandalwood. The accused failed to produce any valid documents authorising possession or transportation of the timber. Investigators said the consignment was being transported to Kannauj, a city renowned for its perfume industry.
Broader Network Suspected
Officials suspect the seizure may be linked to a larger interstate smuggling network. Harraya police station in charge Harish Singh said efforts are underway to identify the source of the timber and the intended recipients.
