Red Sanders Smuggling : Chinese National Arrested In Andhra Pradesh

09 May, Chittoor

Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force of Andhra Pradesh and the Chittoor police in a joint operation arrested a Chinese national, Yang Ping at Ghatkesar toll plaza near Hyderabad.

The police also arrested Srinivasa Raju of Oodhiveedu, Rayachoti mandal of Kadapa district during the operation while five others who were with the duo escaped under cover of darkness according to the police.

The arrest of the Chinese youth is being viewed as a breakthrough by the Chittoor police as AP police have alleged that red sanders smugglers in Rayalaseema had links with their patrons in China, Myanmar and South East Asian countries, however, they had not been able to substantiate their claims.

The recent arrest of Chennai-based Yangon-settled Soundara Rajan and his gang on the West Bengal-Bhutan border and in Chennai on April 17 appear to have given vital clues to the Chittoor police.

Police brought Yang and Raju to Chittoor on Friday and after a formal medical examination, produced them before III Additional Judicial Magistrate Court, which remanded them to custody.

Chinese currency to the tune of 10,000 Yuan and Indian currency of Rs. 10,000 and 30 kg of red sanders logs were seized from Yang. Yang, who had a valid passport and visa, is said to be on his fourth visit to India. According to the FIR, Yang, informed the police that he had visited India as a tourist, and that he was trying to take some small quantity of red sanders to China.