Team Goemkarponn
MOLLEM: In a major crackdown, officials from the Mollem Forest Department arrested two individuals on charges of smuggling teak wood at Matojem, Shigao.
The team seized 5 logs of approx 0.5 cubic meters teak wood, along with a mini tempo used in the illegal transportation of the material.
The accused have been identified as Sadanand P. Sawant (42) r/o Matojem, Shigao & Deepak S. Raut (58) r/o Dhade Sanvordem.
The operation underscores the forest department’s persistent initiatives to combat the illegal smuggling of teak in the area. Those apprehended are now being investigated, and officials are pursuing additional measures to break down the network engaged in this illicit trade.
Recenly, Forest department officials had detained four individuals for their alleged involvement in smuggling Khair wood near Curti.
The officials had seized wood worth approximately Rs 2 lakhs in the operation. In addition to the wood, authorities also confiscated a mini tempo and two motorcycles used in illegal transportation.
