Summary: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) apprehended a Vietnamese national at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on Sunday for attempting to smuggle red sandalwood to Vietnam. The man, who was set to board a VietJet flight to Hanoi, was found with two red sandalwood logs weighing 12 kilograms and valued at ₹25 lakh in his luggage. Following a thorough check prompted by suspicion, CISF officials intercepted the man after he cleared check-in and immigration procedures. The logs, confirmed by forest department officials, were confiscated, and the suspect was handed over to the forest department for further action. The export of red sandalwood is highly restricted and requires special documentation, which the man did not possess.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) intercepted a Vietnamese national at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi on Sunday for attempting to smuggle red sandalwood out of India. The suspect was found carrying two logs of the restricted wood, weighing 12 kilograms and valued at ₹25 lakh, in his luggage.
The incident occurred as the man was preparing to board VietJet Flight VJ972 to Hanoi, scheduled to depart at 12:05 am. Acting on suspicion, CISF personnel redirected him to a secondary screening point where an X-BIS machine scan revealed the presence of the logs. “On suspicion, he was diverted to a checking point so his luggage could be checked thoroughly through an X-BIS machine. The machine showed what appeared to be two logs inside his luggage,” said a CISF official.
To ensure thorough monitoring, the suspect was permitted to complete his check-in and immigration formalities under close physical and electronic surveillance. Following these procedures, CISF surveillance and intelligence staff intercepted him and escorted him to the departure customs office. There, in the presence of customs officials, the baggage was opened, confirming the presence of the red sandalwood logs.
“The logs were between 15 and 17 inches wide and each weighed more than 5kg. The suspect and his baggage have been handed over to the forest department for further action,” the CISF official added.
The export of red sandalwood is heavily restricted, requiring special permissions and thorough documentation. The CISF noted that the man lacked the necessary documentation to transport the sandalwood legally.
Red sandalwood, prized in international markets for its medicinal properties, is also used in skincare products. The high value and demand for the wood contribute to frequent smuggling attempts, despite stringent regulations.
This incident highlights the vigilance and efficiency of CISF personnel in preventing illegal activities and safeguarding India’s natural resources. The apprehended individual and the confiscated logs have been handed over to the forest department for further legal proceedings.