Two red sanders operatives from Tamil Nadu arrested, 11 logs, car seized in Annamayya district
The Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force arrested two individuals in Annamayya district for smuggling red sanders logs. The suspects were caught during a vehicle check, though others managed to escape.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing efforts to curb the illegal trade of protected forest resources in Southern India.
The Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force (RSASTF) on Monday (July 20, 2026) arrested two alleged red sanders smuggling operatives and seized 11 logs along with a car during a vehicle check in Annamayya district.
Task Force SP P. Srinivas said that a patrol party assisted by forest personnel was conducting inspections near Ponthala Cheruvu Cross on the KV Palle–Piler road when a car approached at high speed. Seeing the police, the accused allegedly tried to abandon their vehicle and flee, but two were arrested after a chase, while others managed to escape under the cover of darkness. The arrested were identified as natives of Tirupattur and Tiruvannamalai districts of neighbouring Tamil Nadu State.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in