Red sanders smuggling attempt foiled

An attempt to smuggle a container carrying red sandalwood worth crores of rupees was foiled by the officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at the New Mangalore port here today.
The container, carrying 14 tonnes of red sandalwood, was being transported by a Bangalore-based private firm to Dubai, DRI officials said.
The consignment which was declared to be carrying soap detergents had left Mangalore Port for Dubai on August 9.
When the consignment reached Colombo, the DRI officials called back the vessel on suspicion following a tip-off. The container was opened today and the contents of the consignment revealed, the officials said.

The exact value of the consignment is not yet ascertained.
The Managing Director of the firm which tried to transport the red sandalwood was being questioned, they said.