Forest officials seized nearly 6 tonnes of red sandalwood billets which were being smuggled in 3 lorries and one Tata Sumo, near Nagaiahgaripalle in Chandragiri mandal in Chittoor district, on Monday.
The value of the seized red sandalwood has been estimated at Rs. 30 lakhs in the market.
Earlier, when the Forest officials tried to stop the vehicles during routine check-up, the smugglers hurled stones at the officials.
However, the officials successfully stopped the vehicles after chasing them for some time.
The smugglers reportedly managed to escape into the forests after abandoning their vehicles.
Following the incident, Forest officials intensified combing in the forest. (INN)