The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Customs Department at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi, has seized 365.545 kilograms of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) concealed inside multiple pieces of baggage and arrested an Indian passenger attempting to board a flight to Hong Kong.
The operation was carried out on 13 July 2026 at Terminal-3 of IGI Airport after Customs officers identified the passenger through spot profiling. According to officials, the passenger, who was scheduled to depart for Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific Flight CX-698, came under suspicion due to his unusual movements and the presence of an additional bag.
Sophisticated Concealment Inside 12 Bags
Upon intercepting the passenger, Customs officers conducted a detailed examination of the baggage. During the search, they recovered 365.545 kg of Red Sanders logs concealed inside 12 separate bags, comprising six small trolley suitcases—three maroon and three black—and six travel bags.
Officials found that the Red Sanders logs had been carefully packed in blue polythene packets and wrapped with sponges to disguise their appearance and reduce the likelihood of detection during baggage screening. The elaborate concealment indicated a well-planned attempt to smuggle the prohibited timber out of the country.
Export Violated Customs and Wildlife Trade Laws
The Customs Department stated that the attempted export of Red Sanders violated multiple legal provisions governing the export of protected species.
According to officials, the smuggling attempt contravened the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, read with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Appendix-II, as well as the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992.
Red Sanders is a highly valuable and protected timber species native to India. Its international trade is subject to stringent controls under the CITES framework because of concerns regarding illegal logging and overexploitation. Unauthorized export of the wood is prohibited except in limited circumstances permitted under applicable laws and export policies.
Passenger Arrested
Following the recovery, Customs authorities placed the passenger under arrest under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. The entire consignment of 365.545 kg of Red Sanders was seized and taken into official custody for further legal proceedings.
Investigation Underway
Customs officials have initiated a detailed investigation to ascertain the source of the Red Sanders, identify the persons involved in the smuggling network, and determine whether the passenger was acting independently or on behalf of an organized syndicate.
The authorities are also examining the intended recipients of the prohibited consignment in Hong Kong and exploring possible links to international wildlife trafficking and illegal timber export networks.
