The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) sleuths today seized 133 metric tonnes of red sandalwood, which was allegedly being smuggled out to Dubai, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Navi Mumbai.
The seized consignment is estimated to be worth Rs 55 crore, the agency sources said.
DRI sleuths acted on a tip-off that the red sanders were smuggled out through camouflage in eight containers.
Sources said that four of the eight containers were marked as marbles and tiles, while the rest as carrying onions.
"When we opened first four containers which were said to be carrying marbles and tiles, they actually contained red sanders while the rest were stashed with onions. Collectively, we seized 133 metric tonnes of red sandalwood," a DRI official said.
"We are also finding more about the consignor and the consignee", the official said.
