The container, being taken to China, had passed through around 18 security check posts, apparently, with connivance of the police. It was captured near Tatopani border only after a district level Maoist leader, disgruntled over share of money, spilled the beans. [break]
A police team led by Chief of Bagmati Zonal Police Office Special Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prem Chand took the truck (Na 3 Kha 698) under control while a group of local youths were trying to extract money from the truck driver. The red sandalwoods were covered with sacks of bhujiya and rice. Police found 235 logs of red sandalwoods under 74 sacks of rice and 91 sacks of bhujiya.
SSP Chand had followed the container from Banepa, Kavre after being informed about the red sandalwood. Chief of Sindhupalchowk Police Sthaneshwar Regmi said the red sandalwoods have been handed over to the District Forest Office Saturday.
Sources said Maoist leader Bhim Prasad Parajuli had informed the senior police officers after the smugglers refused him to pay Rs 1 million he had demanded. A junior police officer with Barabise Police said inspector Heramb Sharma had ordered to keep the barrier open to let the container pass.
Businessmen claim red sandalwoods trade at as high as Rs 7000 per kilogram in China after a hike in price that had plummeted to Rs 700 per kilogram.
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