Chennai: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted an alleged international red sanders smuggling syndicate at Chennai Port, seizing approximately 13,000 kg of high grade red sanders valued at ₹7.72 crore and arresting three people.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the operation was conducted between November 9 and 11, 2026, following specific intelligence about an attempt by a Chennai based syndicate to smuggle red sanders logs to Malaysia.
Red Sanders Hidden in Export Container
- DRI officers intercepted an export container at Chennai Port before it could be loaded onto a vessel.
- The container had been declared to contain “Paper Laminate Rolls.” However, during a detailed examination conducted on November 9 and 10, officials discovered 12.87 metric tonnes of high grade red sanders logs concealed alongside a small quantity of the declared cargo and gravel stones.
- The seized red sanders were valued at approximately ₹7.72 crore.
How the Smuggling Operation Worked
Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate allegedly exploited the self sealing facility available to a manufacturer exporter.
According to the DRI:
- The syndicate arranged an export consignment through an exporter.
- The container was allegedly diverted to a private godown.
- The original paper laminate rolls were replaced with red sanders logs.
- Gravel stones and a small quantity of declared cargo were used to conceal the illegal consignment.
- The container was subsequently dispatched towards Chennai Port for export to Malaysia.
A subsequent search of the private godown led to the recovery of the original declared cargo, an industrial weighing scale and traces of red sanders, providing further evidence of the alleged smuggling method.
Three Arrested; Red Sanders Seized
- The DRI arrested three key members of the alleged smuggling syndicate under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
- The red sanders and associated cover cargo were seized under the Customs Act as part of the investigation.
Red Sanders: A Protected Species
- Red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is a protected tree species listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Schedule IV of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Its export from India is prohibited under the Foreign Trade Policy.
- Illegal international trade in red sanders poses a threat to biodiversity and contributes to organised wildlife trafficking.
DRI Intensifies Action Against Wildlife Smuggling
- The latest operation highlights the use of intelligence-led enforcement to detect attempts to misuse legitimate export channels for illegal wildlife trade.
- The DRI stated that it remains committed to dismantling smuggling networks and protecting India’s biodiversity.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
