Handwara, March 23:(KNS A vehicle loaded with illicit timber was seized during night hours by a joint team of Kehmil Forest Division and Forest Protection Force at Handwara. 

Conservator of Forests, Irfan Rasool told KNS that a specific information about the movement of illicit forest produce was received and accordingly a team was framed consisting of Range officer Ramhal and Assistant Director FPF. The monitering of whole operation was assigned to Divisional Forest Officer Kehmil Forest Division.

"Early morning, one Tatamobile vehicle bearing registration no. JK01G 8975 loaded with illicit Kail timber was intercepted at Chowkibal. The driver of the vehicle fled from the spot and the vehicle was chased by forest officials. The vehicle was finally captured and seized at Handwara by covering team. The vehicle was searched and was found loaded with illicit Kail timber 9 logs=35cft. The driver of vehicle namely Ashiq Hussain Lone S/o Ab.Satar Lone R/o Chowkibal was detained from spot., he said.

The case has been handed over to Kehmil Forest Division which will take up the matter with Police authorities for further investigations, he added. (KNS)