The Andhra Pradesh Police have arrested 16 people for allegedly smuggling red sandalwood worth over ₹40 lakh. The police seized over 300 kg of red sandalwood logs and a truck used for transporting the logs from the smugglers.
The arrested individuals were part of a larger smuggling ring involved in the illegal trade of red sandalwood, which is a protected species in India. The red sandalwood is highly valued for its medicinal properties and is used in the production of traditional medicines and cosmetics.The police received a tip-off about the smuggling operation and conducted a raid on a warehouse where the smugglers were storing the logs.
The smugglers attempted to flee the scene, but the police managed to apprehend them after a brief chase.Red sandalwood is a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and its export is prohibited under the Foreign Trade Policy of India. The illegal trade of red sandalwood is a major problem in Andhra Pradesh and other states, and the authorities have been taking strict measures to curb the illegal trade.
The Andhra Pradesh Police have been cracking down on the illegal trade of red sandalwood, and this recent bust is a significant step towards curbing the trade. The police have also appealed to the public to report any instances of illegal trade of red sandalwood to the authorities.
In conclusion, the arrest of 16 people for smuggling red sandalwood worth over ₹40 lakh in Andhra Pradesh is a significant step towards curbing the illegal trade of the protected species. The authorities must continue to take strict measures to prevent the illegal trade of red sandalwood and protect the environment. It is also important for the public to cooperate with the authorities and report any instances of illegal trade.