43 red sanders logs worth 15 lakh seized

Tirupati: The Forest staff seized Rs 43 red sanders logs worth 15 lakh from a truck near Karakambadi on Saturday, 12 km from here. According to Tirupati Divisional Forest Officer Subba Reddy, based on credible information, a team of forest staff took up inspection of vehicles on the highway between Karakambadi and Renigunta in the afternoon, leading to the seizure of the red sander logs. A truck driver failed to stop even after signaling, leading to the staff intercepting it after a hot chase.

However, the five persons in the truck managed to flee. The forest staff in the inspection of the vehicle found 43 logs in the truck which was going to Tamil Nadu. The forest officials put the value of the red sanders logs seized at Rs 15 lakh but it was believed that the 43 logs fetch much more in the international market.