Suspected red sandalwood smugglers attacked a team of forest officials with stones at Gadela village in Kadapa district, a senior official said today.
The forest team retaliated by firing three rounds in air, according to the official.
"As many as 150 red sander logs, valued at about Rs 3 crore, were seized in the operation last night," said Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Venkata Narasimhulu.
He said the team, which was on a combing operation, came under attack near Nallecheruvu Kona after they spotted smugglers cutting the precious wood, which is prohibited.
"Our team chased them and reached their camp where around 150 people started hurling stones. For the safety of personnel an official fired three rounds in air following which the attackers fled from the spot," the ACF said.
Red sandalwood, also known as red sanders, commands huge premium in international markets, especially in countries like China.
Meanwhile, Obulavaripalli police have taken two persons in custody in this regard.
"We detained them at Obulavaripalli railway station and handed them over to forest officials," said sub-inspector Nagaraju.
