CHENNAI: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (Chennai Zone) has thwarted attempts to smuggle 40 tonnes of red sander logs to Malaysia in four different consignments, all in the intervening night of August 24 and August 25.
The seized red sanders are valued Rs.16 crore. As per a DRI press note, officials acting on specific intelligence mounted surveillance on the suspected containers leaving the Container Freight Stations (CFS) for Chennai Port after obtaining clearance. Alert officers intercepted two containers at the port gates and discovered the logs instead of the declared cargo.
In addition, two containers already loaded onto a ship bound for Malaysia were found to contain red sanders upon inspection. The modus operandi of smuggling is substituting of goods while the container is en route from freight stations to the port.