World · India Bureau
Gang arrested with 500kg red sanders near Ranipet
Law enforcement authorities arrested a gang near Sholinghur in Ranipet district for allegedly possessing a substantial quantity of red sanders, the protected timber species. The seizure marks another significant operation against illegal wildlife trade in the region.
LSN India ·
Police apprehended a criminal network in possession of approximately 500 kilograms of red sanders near Sholinghur in Ranipet district, according to officials. Red sanders, a highly valued timber species endemic to the Eastern Ghats, is protected under Indian law and international conventions due to overexploitation concerns.
The arrest comes as part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat smuggling of the endangered wood species, which commands premium prices in illicit international markets. Authorities have intensified operations in districts bordering the Eastern Ghats, where red sanders smuggling remains a persistent challenge.
The arrested individuals are expected to face charges under relevant wildlife protection statutes. Investigations are underway to determine the source of the seized timber and the intended destinations. Officials have not released additional details regarding the gang members or the circumstances of the arrest at this time.
The seizure underscores the continued demand for red sanders in illegal trade networks, prompting authorities to maintain vigilance across vulnerable corridors in South India where such operations frequently occur.