Three tons of prized red sanders have been seized from two vans at nearby Madurovayal Highway and a search is on to nab two persons who fled on seeing the approaching police patrol.
Police said vehicle checks were being conducted at Maduravoyal Highway in Ambattur Industrial Estate limits late last night when patrol team spotted the duo running away after abandoning their vehicles. A check revealed the logs hidden in the vans and it was seized.
"The registration plates of both vehicles are false. We are on job to nab those smuggling the forest produce," Inspector Ambattur Industrial Estate G Harikumar said.
He said the sandalwood logs, whose exact value is being ascertained, would be handed over to the forest department.
Red sanders is very precious and is in high demand in countries, including China.
The Chittor forest range neighbouring Tamil Nadu is well known for its wealth of red sanders which fetches attractive price in the illegal international market.
