Guwahati: In a decisive move against cross-border environmental crime, the 6th Battalion of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), headquartered in Raniguli, intercepted a significant timber smuggling attempt during a coordinated operation with the Forest Department on April 12.
The seizure was made deep within the Ambari forest area, approximately 4.5 kilometers from Border Pillar No. 170/1 along the India-Bhutan border.
Acting on credible intelligence, personnel from SSB’s Dadgiri border outpost and the Devashri Forest Division set up a surprise naka (checkpoint) inside Indian territory. Their vigilance paid off when they spotted forest smugglers transporting illegally cut timber on a tractor-trolley.
However, upon noticing the advancing enforcement team, the culprits abandoned the vehicle and fled into the forest, evading immediate capture.
The security team promptly seized the tractor-trolley along with the illicit timber, preventing the smuggled goods from being trafficked across the region. The confiscated materials were later handed over to the Devashri Forest Department for further investigation and legal proceedings.
The SSB’s swift response and effective coordination with forest authorities underscore their ongoing commitment to environmental protection and border security. Regular patrols and intelligence-led actions continue to play a crucial role in curbing illegal logging and safeguarding the ecological integrity of India’s forested border zones.