Sandalwood Seized on Pune-Mumbai Expressway; Two Detained
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pimpri Chinchwad, 2nd March 2025: The Anti-Property Squad of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate seized a massive consignment of sandalwood worth crores of rupees during an operation on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway this afternoon. The consignment was being smuggled in a container, allegedly concealed under coconut husks.
According to police sources, the container was intercepted at Urse Toll Naka while en route to Mumbai. Authorities suspect the container held 10 to 12 tonnes of sandalwood, though an exact quantity is yet to be confirmed.
During the operation, police detained two individuals—a man identified as Arpit Singh and the container driver. However, the source and intended destination of the sandalwood remain unclear. Officials are conducting a detailed investigation to determine its origin, the individuals involved, and the smuggling network behind it.
The illicit trade of sandalwood, a high-value commodity, is strictly regulated due to its limited availability and high demand in international markets.
