In a major crackdown on international wildlife smuggling, the Delhi Police Special Task Force (STF) has seized 10 tons of red sandalwood (lal chandan) worth nearly Rsb6 crore and arrested two suspects linked to a cross-border smuggling syndicate. The operation has exposed a sophisticated racket stretching from Tirupati’s protected forests to China and Southeast Asia.
Theft Traced to Tirupati’s Forests
According to Dr. Hemant Tiwari, DCP (South-East Delhi), the breakthrough came after intelligence from the Andhra Pradesh Police indicated a large-scale theft of red sandalwood from restricted forest zones in Tirupati.
Initial investigations revealed that the stolen logs were transported to Delhi and stored in warehouses, from where they were to be exported abroad. The coordination between Delhi STF and Andhra Pradesh intelligence units led to the discovery of this elaborate network.
Tughlakabad Warehouse Raid: 10 Tons Recovered
Acting on the intelligence input, Delhi STF raided a Tughlakabad warehouse on Monday, uncovering nearly 9,500 kilograms of red sandalwood hidden inside trucks modified with secret compartments.
Two key suspects — Irfan (Hyderabad) and Amit Sampat Pawar (Thane, Mumbai) — were arrested during the operation. Police sources confirmed that the duo had been moving stolen logs from Andhra Pradesh to Delhi since early August.
Officials called it one of Delhi’s biggest red sandalwood seizures in recent years.
Destination: China, Vietnam, and Myanmar
Investigators revealed that the seized consignment was meant for China, Vietnam, and Myanmar, where red sandalwood commands premium prices due to its use in medicine, spiritual artifacts, and luxury furniture.
The wood can sell for Rs 60–70 lakh per ton, driven by its distinctive color, aroma, and rarity.
Police said the gang used fake documents, hidden compartments, and digital coordination tools to move the contraband across states and borders. Several invoices, transport permits, and electronic records have been confiscated.
Crackdown on a Global Network
Police believe the racket was part of a larger international smuggling network with multiple intermediaries linking Indian suppliers to overseas buyers. Authorities are now working with Andhra Pradesh Police and international enforcement agencies to identify more members of the network.
“This operation exposes a highly organized transnational crime that harms both our forests and economy,” said Dr. Tiwari, adding that Delhi Police will “continue to work with national and international agencies to dismantle the network completely.”
Red Sandalwood: India’s Endangered Treasure
Red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) is a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and its export is strictly controlled. Known for its medicinal value, rare fragrance, and deep red hue, the wood is often compared to gold in global markets.
Authorities warned that smuggling threatens not just biodiversity but also India’s ecological balance. Efforts are now underway to trace the remaining stolen wood and tighten monitoring mechanisms to prevent similar thefts.
