Chittoor, January 24 (INN): The Forest officials have seized nearly six tonnes of red sandalwood billets which were being smuggled in three lorries and one Tata Sumo near Nagaiahgaripalle in Chandragiri mandal in the district on Monday.
The value of the seized red sandalwood has been estimated at Rs 30 lakhs in the market.
Earlier, when the forest officials tried to stop the vehicles during routine check-up, the smugglers hurled stones on the officials. However, the officials successfully stopped the vehicles after chasing them for some time. The smugglers have reported managed to escape into the forests by abandoning leaving the vehicles.
Following the incident, the forest officials intensified combing in the forest. (INN)