Nine Chinese nationals held with 419.5 kg of red sandalwood

Customs officials have arrested nine Chinese nationals and seized 419.5 kg of red sandalwood at the Ahmedabad international airport.

The accused were headed to Singapore by Singapore Airlines flight SQ-531 late last night.

A search of their luggage brought out blocks of red sandalwood as well as strings of sandalwood beads.

Sandalwood is generally smuggled as a shipping cargo but of late air route is being used, customs officials said.