CHENNAI: Directorate of
Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 40 metric tonnes of red sanders worth Rs 16 crores which were about to be
smuggled to Malaysia from Chennai port.
Following a tip-off, DRI seized four containers in the intervening night of August 24 and 25. The smugglers declared that the containers contained export cargo consignments and got it sealed at the Container Freight Station (CFS).
But, the seal was tampered and red sanders wood was loaded when the containers were being transported to the port from the freight station.
All containers were 20 feet in size.
Export of red sanders in any form is prohibited by
Indian laws.