Red sanders logs worth ₹1.65 crore seized, four held

The Andhra Pradesh State Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force (APRSASTF) reportedly seized 72 red sanders logs worth nearly ₹1.65 crore and arrested four persons near Pincha Project of T. Sundupalli mandal in Kadapa district on Wednesday.

Based on specific intelligence, APRSASTF, under the direction of Task Force Head and Tirupati SP L. Subbarayudu and led by SP P. Srinivas, conducted the operation, the officials said. A team of forest officials also accompanied the combing party. The team spotted a tractor-trailer near the Pincha Project area, where a group of persons were allegedly loading red sanders logs.

On spotting the police, several persons reportedly fled. Following a brief chase, four were apprehended, while the rest managed to escape. The vehicle, along with 72 logs, was seized from the spot.

According to the police, two of the arrested were identified as natives of Vellore district in Tamil Nadu, while the other two belonged to Chittoor district. Police said further investigation was under way to trace the rest of the accused behind the operation.