Mumbai: Two held by Amboli police for smuggling 500 kg sandalwood worth Rs 2.5 cr

The Amboli police have arrested two men for allegedly smuggling 500 kilogram red sandalwood to Dubai via air route with the help of courier companies. Those arrested have been identified as Sufiyan Sheikh (19) and Ajaz Sayyed who were picked up before the duo were about to send the smuggled consignment to Dubai with the sandalwood. The seized sandalwood is estimated to be worth Rs 2.5 crore.

According to the police, on Thursday night they were tipped off about the smuggling activities to be carried out by the accused duo at Veera Desai Road, Andheri West. "The accused men were travelling in a tempo carrying nine carton boxes stuffed with sandalwood pieces. We believe that they were on the way to deliver the boxes to a courier company. Since, our credible sources had already given us a tip-off, our officers were on standby. On spotting the vehicle, we stopped them and seized sandalwood. On being taken to the police station, the accused confessed to the crime and said that they were on their way to reach Sahar Air Cargo Complex. We also found two air tickets from them," said Bharat Gaikwad, senior police inspector of Amboli police station.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the sandalwood was chopped into different sizes, each piece not bigger than 1.5 feet. All the pieces were wrapped into plastic and placed in carton boxes. "We suspect that they have already sent some consignments before this one but this is yet to be ascertained. Both accused have beenbooked under section 379 of the Indian Penal Code and section 41, 42 and 65(a) of the Indian Forest Act. Further investigation of the case is under way and also the role of the courier agencies is being scrutinised," he added.