Red sanders worth Rs 1 crore seized at New Mangalore Port, four held

Mangalore, October 23: Sleuths of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)'s regional unit landed a huge catch of red sanders wood that was sought to be exported illegally to Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE on Ayudha Puja day.

The sleuths arrested four persons from Kerala and recovered 240 red sanders wood totally weighing about 5,810 kg found concealed in a container.

The said goods were not declared to customs for export and were attempted to be smuggled from India.

On the basis of intelligence information, the sleuths searched one container belonging to Kochi-based M/s Rnath Exports, which was kept ready for export in the container yard at the New Mangalore Port on Tuesday. The containers were declared to contain plywood for export to Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE. On examination of the relevant container, logs of red sanders wood were found.

Export of Red Sanders Wood is prohibited as it is an endangered species, DRI officials said.

The arrested are Mustafa Abdul Rahman, 50, 0f Valapattanam, Alavil, Kannur; Abdul Kalam, 43, Vazhakkad, Mallapuram, Edward George, 36, Aluwa, Ernakulam, and Salih MK, 44, Thalassery, Kannur.

The sleuths seized the goods under the provisions of Customs Act, 1962 and deposited it in customs godown. Total value of the said seized goods is Rs 58,10,000. The plywood, about 300, valued about Rs 5-lakh found in the said container was also seized.

Based on information given by Mustafa, DRI sleuths seized another 162 logs weighing 4730 kg valued at Rs 47,30,000 meant for export and kept at a godown near Boloor. Further, Mustafa had planned to flee to Malaysia via Chennai immediately after giving effect to above mentioned smuggling attempt.

Thus, the DRI sleuths have seized red sanders worth Rs 1.1 crore.

Abdul Kalam supplied the Red Sanders Wood for export. Mohammed Salih has arranged for the storage and transport of the said goods.

Edward George has assisted Mustafa in his export operations and financial operations. The offence committed by the accused has serious ramifications undermining the fabric of Indian economy and ecological balance.

The department is pursuing further investigation in the case. The investigation exploring all angles is yet to be completed and follow up actions are to be completed. Certain other persons who abetted the offence are yet to be traced.