Srinagar August 28 (KNS): A vehicle carrying illicit timber was seized on Thursday by the Forest Department in Mawer Sanzipora, area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district

Officials said a joint team from the Sanzipora Forest Range and the Forest Control Room Langate stopped a Tata Mobile vehicle coming from Compartment No. 43 Mawar. On searching the vehicle, they found seven large logs of valuable timber, measuring about 70 feet in total.

The arrested man has been identified as Manzoor, a resident of Malikpora. He is a known criminal involved in timber smuggling.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe driver managed to flee but has been identified.

The seized vehicle was taken to Qalamabad Police Station for legal action. The arrested person has also been handed over to the police.

The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Langate said this was part of an ongoing campaign against illegal logging and smuggling. He praised the Qalamabad Police for their quick action, which helped stop the smuggling attempt.

The Forest Department has said it will continue strict action against such illegal activities in the future.(KNS)