Naktideula: Forest department officials Monday seized a pick-up van and recovered nearly 75 pieces of wood during a raid near Dalki village under Kuapanka section in Sambalpur district.
Under the direction of Redhakhol DFO Sangram Kesari Behera, the forest range officials conducted raids at several areas in the district.
Acting on a tip-off about the transportation of smuggled timber, the forest range officials raided and seized the vehicle. During the search operation, the timber smugglers managed to give the slip, officials said.
Earlier on Sunday, nearly 80 pieces of Sal wood were seized from a pick-up van during a raid near Begada village under Redhakhol range.
In a similar instance, police seized a pick-up van and recovered around 180 bundles of Kendu leaves during raid at Chattrapur village under Naktideula block in the district.
PNN