Gossaigaon – In a significant crackdown on illicit timber trafficking, Gossaigaon police, acting swiftly on a confidential tip-off, late last night successfully seized a massive consignment of red sandalwood near the Telipara toll gate, on the periphery of the town.
The seized timber, estimated to be valued at over Rs 1 crore in the black market, marks a substantial victory for authorities in their ongoing efforts to staunch the flow of illegal forest produce in the region.
The meticulously planned operation was spearheaded by Gossaigaon Sub-Divisional Police Officer Hiren Kumar Deka, who was ably assisted by Officer-in-Charge Nitul Gogoi. Intelligence reports indicated that a considerable quantity of red sandalwood was being stashed in a residential property situated close to the aforementioned toll gate.
Upon converging on the location, police personnel swiftly cordoned off the premises before gaining entry, where they discovered and subsequently recovered 28 hefty pieces of red sandalwood, each weighing approximately 35 kilograms.
The confiscated timber has since been securely transported to the Gossaigaon police station for safe custody. While the investigation remains in its nascent stages, police officials have, for the time being, refrained from divulging the identity of the homeowner, citing the need to preserve the integrity of the ongoing probe. Further details are anticipated to emerge as the investigation progresses, shedding more light on the individuals implicated in this lucrative illegal enterprise.
This operation vividly underscores the immense profitability of the clandestine timber trade, with the staggering market value of the seized sandalwood highlighting the high stakes involved. Law enforcement agencies remain committed to combating this illicit trade, reiterating the crucial role of community vigilance and cooperation in thwarting such unlawful activities.
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