Forest Officials Seize 4,000 Kg Red Sandalwood in Maharashtra

Major Seizure in Palghar

In a significant breakthrough against the smuggling of precious forest resources, the Maharashtra Forest Department has seized 4,000 kilograms of red sandalwood worth over Rs 12 crore. The operation took place in Sakhare village, located in Palghar taluka, after authorities received specific intelligence inputs about illegal activities in the region. The raid, conducted on Thursday night and continuing into Friday morning, has been described as the biggest-ever red sandalwood seizure in Palghar district.

Officials confirmed that the contraband comprised nearly 200 freshly cut branches of red sandalwood, also referred to as “red gold” due to its rarity and high market value. The seized logs were stored in concealed locations in the village, allegedly awaiting transport to other states or even international buyers.


Accused on the Run

According to initial reports, the individuals involved in the smuggling network managed to escape before the raid could be executed. Authorities suspect that a well-organised syndicate is behind the operation, using rural areas of Maharashtra as a transit point for moving red sandalwood out of the country.

The Forest Department has launched a manhunt to trace the accused and is working closely with local law enforcement to dismantle the broader network. Investigators believe the seized consignment was prepared for smuggling through ports and could have fetched up to Rs 20 crore in international markets, depending on quality.


Red Sandalwood: A High-Value Commodity

Red sandalwood, scientifically known as Pterocarpus santalinus, is a rare variety of wood native to southern India, particularly Andhra Pradesh. It is highly valued in East Asian countries for its use in traditional medicine, spiritual rituals, luxury furniture, and high-end handicrafts.

Often called “blood sandalwood” because of its deep reddish hue, this wood can fetch anywhere between Rs 2 crore to Rs 5 crore per tonne in global markets. Despite being protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), red sandalwood smuggling has grown into a multi-crore illegal industry.


First Major Action in Palghar

This latest crackdown marks the first major action against red sandalwood trafficking in Palghar district. Until now, most seizures in Maharashtra were reported from border districts or coastal regions. Authorities believe that smugglers are increasingly shifting their operations to new districts, exploiting gaps in surveillance.

Forest officials highlighted that such activities not only result in the destruction of protected tree species but also fuel organised crime. They added that special patrol teams and intelligence units will be strengthened in the Palghar region to prevent further incidents.


Crackdown Sends Strong Message

Speaking to the media, senior officials from the Forest Department said the raid was carried out after weeks of tracking suspicious movements in the village. “This seizure is a clear message to smugglers that Maharashtra will not allow the exploitation of its natural resources,” one officer remarked.

They further added that the estimated worth of the seized wood, pegged at Rs 12 crore, highlights the scale of the illegal trade. With the accused still on the run, law enforcement agencies are expanding their search beyond the district, coordinating with forest authorities from other states.


Impact on Illegal Trade

Experts say that this seizure could deliver a temporary setback to smuggling syndicates, as losing such a large quantity of red sandalwood is a major financial blow. However, they also warn that traffickers often regroup quickly, shifting their base of operations to avoid detection.

Environmentalists have urged the government to tighten monitoring mechanisms, enhance inter-state coordination, and impose harsher penalties on offenders. They point out that illegal felling of red sandalwood not only affects biodiversity but also threatens the livelihoods of local communities that rely on sustainable forest resources.


Looking Ahead

The Palghar seizure has brought renewed focus to the broader problem of illegal timber trade in India. With international demand showing no signs of decline, authorities face the twin challenges of strengthening enforcement and addressing the root causes of smuggling.

For now, the Forest Department has sealed the seized stock and registered a case under relevant provisions of the Indian Forest Act and Wildlife Protection Act. The investigation continues, and officials remain confident that the perpetrators will soon be apprehended.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here