**Executive Summary**
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully disrupted an organized red sanders smuggling operation in Chennai, seizing 15 MTs of red sanders worth ₹6.26 crore. The operation led to the arrest of four individuals. Systematic searches were conducted at three premises from December 9-11, 2025.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Seizure and Arrests:**
* 15 MTs of red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) seized from various warehouses in Chennai.
* Four individuals arrested, including the key operative, associates, and a supplier-side intermediary.
* **Operation Details:**
* DRI developed specific intelligence regarding the clandestine storage and attempted export of red sanders.
* Coordinated searches were conducted at three premises from 09.12.2025 to 11.12.2025.
* **Seized Goods:**
* 169 Grade A red sanders logs (5.55 MT), concealed using white HDPE packing material.
* 9.55 MTs of red sanders in the form of logs, roots, and furniture.
* Cover cargo of ‘Household articles’
* **Legal Framework:**
* Red sanders is listed in Appendix II of CITES and Schedule-IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
* Exports are prohibited/restricted under the Foreign Trade Policy.
* Seizures were made under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
**Impact Analysis**
**Smugglers/Criminals Involved in Illegal Trade of Red Sanders**
* **Impact:** Disruption of illegal activities, potential financial losses due to seizure of goods, and legal consequences including arrest and prosecution.
* **Action Required:** Face legal proceedings and potential penalties under applicable laws.
**Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)**
* **Impact:** Enhanced reputation for effective enforcement and commitment to combating illegal trade.
* **Action Required:** Continue investigation to dismantle the smuggling network and prevent future attempts.
**Economic Frontiers of India and Country's Biodiversity**
* **Impact:** Protected from economic losses and damage to natural resources due to illegal trade.
* **Action Required:** Further measures to strenghten and continue enforcement against those attempting to compromise the economic frontiers of India and endangering the country's rich biodiversity.
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI): Primary agency involved in thwarting the red sanders smuggling operation.
Chennai: Location where the red sanders were seized and arrests were made.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Indian law under which Red Sanders is protected.
Foreign Trade Policy: Policy that prohibits/restricts the export of Red Sanders.
Customs Act, 1962: Law under which offending goods were seized
Ministry of Finance
DRI thwarts organised red sanders smuggling;
seizes 15 MTs of red sanders worth ₹6.26 crore
at Chennai; four arrested
प्रव तथ: 14 DEC 2025 4:47PM by PIB Delhi
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has thwarted an attempt to illegally export
restricted/prohibited red sanders valued at ₹6.26 crore. A total of 15 MTs of red sanders was seized from
various warehouses and four persons were arrested in the case. Red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is an
item listed in Appendix II of CITES and in Schedule-IV of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and
prohibited/restricted for exports under Foreign Trade Policy.
Specific intelligence was developed by the officers of DRI that red sanders were being clandestinely
secreted at various godowns in Chennai and its outskirts and the same are being attempted for export
from Chennai via Delhi. Accordingly, DRI officers carried out coordinated systematic searches at three
premises from 09.12.2025 to 11.12.2025.
A total of 169 red sanders logs of Grade A quality weighing 5.55 MT, out of which 76 logs were wrapped
and concealed using white HDPE packing material and ready to be loaded onto a truck for transporting to
Delhi for illicit export, with the cover cargo of ‘Household articles’ was recovered in one premises. The
offending goods as well as the cover goods meant for illicit export were seized under the provisions of
the Customs Act, 1962. In other two premises, 9.55MTs of red sanders in the form of logs, roots and
furniture were recovered and seized.
The four arrested persons include the key operative, his two associates involved in packing and
transportation of red sanders, and a supplier-side intermediary. Further investigation is under progress.The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence remains committed to continuing its relentless crackdown
against those attempting to compromise the economic frontiers of India and endangering the country’s
rich biodiversity.
****
NB/KMN
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