Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 13 September 2023
In a significant operation targeting illegal timber trade, the Central Crime Station (CCS) in Port Blair apprehended an individual and confiscated a substantial quantity of sawn padauk timber on Sunday, September 11th.
Acting on a specific intelligence tip-off from a reliable source, a dedicated team of officers from the CCS, led by Inspector Vishal Ram, SHO of PS CCS, swung into action. The team, which included SI Parvash, Head Constable Sanjay Kujur, Sanjit Madhu, Constable K. Rajendran, and N. Thangaraj, initiated the operation resulting in the arrest of one suspect, identified as George Thomas, aged 40, and a resident of Garacharama.
The authorities intercepted an Ashok Leyland truck bearing registration No. AN01/M-8093 at Dollygunj junction near the parking area. A thorough inspection of the vehicle led to the discovery of 74 pieces of illegal sawn padauk timber of various sizes, totalling approximately 2.343 cubic meters.
Following standard procedures, the seized padauk timbers were confiscated, and George Thomas was detained. Both the individual and the confiscated articles were subsequently handed over to officials from the Forest Department, specifically the Garacharama Range, for further necessary legal action.
In light of this successful operation, the police department has urged the general public to contribute to the fight against illegal activities by providing credible information through the following contact numbers: 100, 232586, 233307, and 9474257242. The authorities emphasise that the identity of any informer will be kept strictly confidential.
This operation signifies the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to combat the illegal trade of natural resources and protect the region’s delicate ecosystems.