Chinese mafia behind red sandalwood smuggling in SL?

April 7, 2015

The Indian police have found details on a Chinese mafia that smuggles red sandalwood through Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Sri Lanka which has a major demand for it in China, Japan, Middle East and the United States of America.

The investigation has found that the Chinese mafia which largely operates out of Sri Lanka have engaged several smugglers from Tamil Nadu to cut the produce from the forests and smuggle it. These smugglers in turn sell it at exorbitant prices and have a major market not just in China, but in Japan, Middle East as well. 

“Once the produce is smuggled out of the forest areas a large chunk of it is taken to the ports particulary the one at Kodikarrai in Tamil Nadu and sent into Sri Lanka. From there it finds the international route investigations have also revealed.

Although not scientifically certified, one of the major reasons for the demand of red sandalwood is because it is one of the best absorbent for nuclear radiation. The very fact that China has such a major role to play in this racket is evident because since 2013 Indian police have arrested 55 Chinese nationals who have been in possession of red sandalwood.
Investigations being conducted over the years have revealed that red sandalwood is extremely rare to find. 

Although there are attempts made to stop smuggling of red sanders, smugglers continue to take their chances. Moreover these smugglers which the mafia deploys are all one time operatives. They come for one operation and then leave the country. This way it is difficult to build a record on one particular individual,” the One India reported.