DRI busts smuggling syndicate, seizes 13,000 kg of red sanders worth ₹7.72 crore at Chennai Port

CHENNAI The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a red sanders smuggling syndicate operating from Chennai and seized 12.87 tonnes of high-grade red sanders logs, valued at approximately ₹7.72 crore, at Chennai Port. Three key members of the syndicate were arrested. Acting on specific intelligence that a Chennai-based syndicate was attempting to smuggle red sanders logs to Malaysia, DRI officers intercepted an export container at Chennai Port between November 9 and 11, before it could be loaded onto a vessel.

The DRI said the container, declared to contain paper laminate rolls, was subjected to detailed examination on November 9 and 10. The inspection revealed 12.87 tonnes of red sanders logs concealed alongside a small quantity of the declared cargo and gravel stones. The logs and cover cargo were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

How the crime unfolded Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate had allegedly exploited the self-sealing facility available to a manufacturer-exporter to circumvent customs checks.