Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Forest officials seize smuggled sandalwood in Suryapet
Sandalwood is a very special tree with sweet-smelling wood, and it is very expensive.
Because it is so valuable, some people tried to take it without permission, which is against the law.
The forest police got a secret tip that someone was moving sandalwood illegally.
They searched the area and found a vehicle carrying sandalwood that should not have been there.
They also found four tractor-loads of sandalwood logs, all together weighing about 40 tonnes.
The forest police took the wood to their office to keep it safe.
This kind of wood is sometimes used to make a chewy treat called pan masala.
The police still do not know where the wood came from or who stole it.
They are working to find the people behind the illegal sandalwood trade.
Forest officials seized illegally transported sandalwood following a tip-off in Thimmapuram village, Jajireddygudem mandal, Suryapet.
A vehicle moving suspiciously between Thimmapuram and Komatipalli villages was intercepted during searches late on Sunday night.
Four tractor-loads of sandalwood logs, estimated as equivalent to one lorry load, were seized early Monday morning.
The seized wood, about 40 tonnes, is reportedly used as a raw material in manufacturing products for the pan masala industry.
Officials are investigating the wood's source, the people behind the illegal trade, and its estimated market value.
- Who
- Forest officials from the Nagararam and Suryapet ranges, including Section Officers S. Venkateshwarlu and S. Manjula.
- What
- Seized approximately 40 tonnes of illegally transported sandalwood, including four tractor-loads of logs equivalent to one lorry load.
- When
- Late Sunday night through the early hours of Monday.
- Where
- Thimmapuram and Komatipalli villages in Jajireddygudem mandal, Suryapet district.
- Why
- The sandalwood was allegedly being transported illegally; the wood is reportedly used as raw material for products of the pan masala industry.
- Event
- Seizure of illegally transported sandalwood
- Location
- Thimmapuram village, Jajireddygudem mandal, Suryapet
- Amount seized
- Approximately 40 tonnes; four tractor-loads of logs (about one lorry load)
- Reported use
- Raw material for pan masala industry products
- Operation lead
- S. Venkateshwarlu, Nagararam Range Section Officer
- Other officials
- S. Manjula (Suryapet Range Section Officer) and Beat Officers Anil and Venkanna
- Investigation status
- Source of wood, transporters, dumpers, and market value under investigation