DRI seizes red sander logs worth Rs 3.2 cr at Mundra port

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized logs of red sander worth Rs 3.2 crore at Mundra port in Gandhidham while they were allegedly being exported illegally, officials said today.
"On the basis of specific intelligence, a team of officers of DRI intercepted two containers containing export consignment declared to be non-basmati rice... One of the subject containers was found stuffed with non-basmati rice, as declared. However, on examination of the second container, the officers of DRI found wooden logs concealed beneath bags of non-basmati rice," it said in a press release.
The containers, which arrived at Mundra port through rail route and was to be loaded on a vessel heading to Dubai, belonged to M/s Surbhi Exports, Delhi, which had obtained shipping bills for them from inland container depot (ICD) at Sonepat in Haryana, DRI said.

As per officials, they were intercepted at the port. One of the two containers was found to carry red sander hidden under bags of non-basmati rice.
Forest department officials were called in who confirmed it to be red sander, the agency said.
A total of 164 units of sander-wood seized from the site weighing 4.550 metric tonne is estimated to cost Rs 3.2 crore, it said.
The DRI also seized 1,805 bags of non-basmati rice weighing 32.810 metric tonne valued at around Rs 13 lakhs which was being used to conceal contraband item, it said.
"Export of red sander-wood from India is prohibited. Due to its demand in international market and high value, unscrupulous elements have attempted to export the same circumventing the prohibition... The Directorate has initiated investigations in the matter," it said.