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Rare tree logs seized by customs officials in Tuticorin
Tuticorin, Mar 09: Customs officials have seized logs of a rare tree worth Rs 1.3 crore, which were to be smuggled to Singapore from the port town and arrested two persons in this connection.
Tuticorin, Mar 09: Customs officials have seized logs of a rare tree worth Rs 1.3 crore, which were to be smuggled to Singapore from the port town and arrested two persons in this connection.
The 'Senthuram' (flame of forest) tree logs, weighing 22.94 tonnes, were seized from a godown during a raid, after a tip-off, officials said today.
According to officials, the tree, whose botanical name is 'Butea Frondosa', is unique. They are grown only in few countries, including India and are used for highly-specialised purposes such as making wooden statues and musical instruments. A case had been filed in the special court in Madurai yesterday and the officials were enquiring about four agencies said to be involved in the smuggling.
This was the first time that the customs department had seized logs of the tree, grown in Andhra Pradesh and parts of Tamil Nadu, where the cutting of rare trees is banned.
Bureau Report
According to officials, the tree, whose botanical name is 'Butea Frondosa', is unique. They are grown only in few countries, including India and are used for highly-specialised purposes such as making wooden statues and musical instruments. A case had been filed in the special court in Madurai yesterday and the officials were enquiring about four agencies said to be involved in the smuggling.
This was the first time that the customs department had seized logs of the tree, grown in Andhra Pradesh and parts of Tamil Nadu, where the cutting of rare trees is banned.
Bureau Report