Smuggled sandalwood seized near China border

Kathmandu, Apr 19 (UNI) Nepal police seized about 6600 kg of red sandalwood being smuggled to China at Shimle of Sanga Chowk in Sindupalchowk district near China border, local media reports said here today.

Police inrercepted a truck carrying red sandalwood loaded inside sacks of beaten rice and while it was on its way to Tatopani, media reports quoted a district police officer as saying.

The truck bear a false number plate, the police official Yuv Narayan Baidhya said.

The smugglers had mobilised many local youths to join them and distributed about Rs 3,50,000 to them.

Meanwhile, Forest Minister Matrika Yadav, who represents the Maoists in the cabinet, has accused the Nepal army of being involved in the felling of trees and poaching.

UNI