Samba Police Thwart Timber Smuggling: Vehicle Carrying Illegally Cut ‘Khair’ Wood Seized

Samba, February 18, 2026 — In a major crackdown on the illegal timber trade, the Samba Police successfully intercepted a vehicle transporting a significant consignment of ‘Khair’ wooden logs.

The timber, which had been illegally felled and stolen from both State and private lands in the Rattwana Patyari (Surara) region, was seized under the jurisdiction of the Ghagwal Police Station.

This operation underscores the department’s intensified efforts to protect forest resources and curb environmental crimes within the district.The recovery was made following a tip-off from reliable sources regarding the clandestine movement of stolen timber.

Acting swiftly, a specialized team from Police Station Ghagwal established a checkpoint near Rattwana Patyari village and intercepted a Mahindra load carrier (Registration No. HP68-2447). Upon inspection, officers discovered the vehicle was loaded with Khair logs for which the driver could not provide legal transit permits.

Both the vehicle and the contraband were immediately taken into custody at the scene.Following the seizure, authorities have registered a formal case under FIR No. 19/2026 at the Ghagwal Police Station. The investigation is currently underway to identify the individuals behind the theft and to uncover the larger network involved in the illegal felling of Khair trees in the Samba district.

The police have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a strict vigil against the timber mafia and ensuring that those depleting the region’s natural resources face the full force of the law.