The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Smuggling of red sanders grows murkier

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Monday, Feb 11, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Smuggling of red sanders grows murkier

Staff Reporter

Operations chart new routes, modus operandi differs

Police seize104 logs worth Rs. 15 lakh recently
Smugglers allegedly operating from Gudur

NELLORE: Gone are the days when a network of smugglers used to smuggle precious red sanders from “inaccessible” locations situated deep inside Venkatagiri and other nearby mandals in Nellore district to the border districts of Tamil Nadu. Besides, they used to smuggle red sanders hidden under a load of vegetables or any other routine stuff.

But the smuggling operations appeared to have taken a new route and with a different method altogether. And the intrepid smuggling attempt at Tada on Saturday is a pointer to the growing murky activities in the border areas of Nellore district.

According to Superintendent of Police B. Malla Reddy, local constable E. Venkateswarlu, who was on duty, found a speeding vehicle heading for Tamil Nadu via Bheemulavari Palem integrated check post. Suspecting something fishy, he chased the vehicle while alerting the local police about the incident.

“His valiant efforts finally helped the local police as they could seize the vehicle carrying the sandalwood consignment comprising 104 logs worth Rs. 15 lakh hidden under the husk bags. But the police could arrest only the driver as two other culprits fled after abandoning the vehicle.”

Green signal

The SP said the police were suspecting that smugglers might be operating from Gudur and Pangali. “The cache, after making its way to chosen destination in these two places, is hidden under unsuspected stuff and finally proceeds to Andhra-Tamil Nadu border after receiving the green signal from operators.”

“This assumption has further been backed with the police recovering another vehicle- a ‘Qualis’- heading towards Tada from Sri Kalahasthi carrying red sander logs on Sunday,” the SP said.

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