Rare red sandalwood seized in Punjab

AMRITSAR: For the first time customs department has seized illegally smuggled 11 tons of rare red sandalwood valued at around Rs 1.5 crore from Punjab. The fragrant wood is in high demand in the state and also fetches huge price in Dubai and European countries.
Additional commissioner, customs, SM Akhtar told TOI on Friday that the consignment of endangered red sandalwood was seized from Ludhiana following the arrest of an agent.He informed that during preliminary investigations it was revealed that this consignment of sandalwood was to be smuggled to Dubai. He said that department had launched an massive operation to expose the nexus of sandalwood mafia which spans across several states. The wood was brought to Ludhiana from near Bangalore.
Sources informed TOI that sandalwood is in huge demand in Punjab and in recent past sandalwood mafia has flourished. Akhtar said the person arrested had been identified as Tinu adding that the department was closely pursuing the case. “It is a big achievement for us” he said.
He said sandalwood was not only used in perfumery and havan’s but it was in demand from antique and red sandalwood furniture lover. The wood was also used in medicines as an aphrodisiac he added.
He informed that the there was a huge demand for the wood from China also.
Following the seizure, the department has escalated the vigil and intensified the monitoring of export cargo in Ludhiana.
Red Sandalwood is also known as Raktha Chandana which is listed as an endangered wildlife species and is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild fauna and flora to which India is a signatory.