Andhra Pradesh
AP Police Continue Crackdown on Sandal Smuggling; 63 Woodcutters From TN Arrested
During the combing operation in Nellore, police nabbed two groups of woodcutters from two locations and seized 40 logs of wood besides four vehicles.
HYDERABAD: As many as 63 woodcutters from neighbouring Tamil Nadu were arrested on Sunday in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh and 40 logs of red sanders wood worth Rs 2 crore were seized from their possession, police said.
Red sanders, an endangered species, also called red sandalwood, has a huge demand abroad, especially in China and Japan, and commands a good price. It is grown mainly in Seshachalam hill ranges spread across Kadapa, Chittoor and Kurnool in Rayalaseema region and parts of Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh. |