Chennai: The city police yesterday seized 18.5 tonnes of red sanders worth Rs 9.17 crore. The seized logs, which are classified as endangered under the IUCN, were declared as car accessories and one person was arrested in this connection.
The logs were found inside a container truck parked which was parked near the Kattupalli Port. The police also revealed that the documents and shipping bill were also retrieved from the vehicle and it was declared as car accessories and parts. The logs were meant to be shipped for a company in Dubai.
Some of the documents of exporter were not verified by the staff member of a shipping liner and he was arrested. Investigations led the police team to a godown near Porur and more red sanders were retrieved from there. The wood was seized under the customs Act, 1962 and further investigation was on, it said.