Red sanders smuggling down 70% in 2 years, says Pawan Kalyan
Synopsis
Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan claims red sanders smuggling has been cut by 70% in two years — backed by a 90%-plus conviction rate and a fresh ₹2 crore seizure in Anantapur. The numbers, if sustained, would mark one of the most effective enforcement runs against a trade that has long eluded state control.
Key Takeaways
Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan claimed red sanders smuggling has dropped 70 per cent over the past two years .
Over 90 per cent of those arrested in red sandalwood cases are reportedly being convicted.
The Red Sandalwood Anti-Smuggling Task Force seized 109 logs worth ₹2 crore near Bondalavada village , Anantapur district .
Three individuals, including Nallani Nandakumar , were taken into custody; Pawan Kalyan ordered a probe to identify the mastermind.
The operation was led by RSI Muralidhar Reddy under the supervision of Task Force SP P.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Thursday, 26 June claimed that red sanders smuggling in the state has dropped by 70 per cent over the past two years, crediting the coalition government's enforcement push and the Red Sandalwood Anti-Smuggling Task Force for the turnaround.
Key Developments
Pawan Kalyan, who also holds the Forests and Environment portfolio, said that more than 90 per cent of individuals apprehended in red sandalwood smuggling cases are now being convicted — a figure he described as proof of the government's resolve. He directed officials to ensure that the masterminds behind smuggling operations are not spared under any circumstances.
In the latest operation, the task force conducted a special drive near Bondalavada village in Narpala Mandal, Anantapur district, seizing 109 logs of red sandalwood valued at ₹2 crore. Three individuals — including one Nallani Nandakumar — were taken into custody in connection with the seizure.
What the Government Said
The Deputy Chief Minister commended the task force for acting on concrete intelligence to identify and disrupt the movements of a smuggling gang in Anantapur. He stressed that stringent measures, including inter-state coordination, are being stepped up to prevent red sandalwood — a protected and economically valuable resource — from crossing state borders.
The operation was led by RSI Muralidhar Reddy, with details provided by the team functioning under SP Subbarayudu and overseen by Red Sandalwood Anti-Smuggling Task Force SP P. Srinivas. Pawan Kalyan ordered a further investigation to trace the actual mastermind behind the gang.
Why Red Sanders Smuggling Matters
Red sandalwood, found primarily in the forests of Andhra Pradesh's Seshachalam hills and surrounding districts, is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and commands high prices in East Asian markets. Smuggling networks have historically been well-organised, with cross-state and international linkages, making enforcement a persistent challenge for successive state governments.
This is the coalition government's most pointed public accounting of its anti-smuggling record since taking office, and it comes amid broader efforts to accelerate the dismantling of smuggling syndicates through inter-agency cooperation.
What Happens Next
Officials indicated that efforts to dismantle smuggling networks will be further accelerated through inter-state coordination. The investigation into the Anantapur seizure is ongoing, with authorities tasked with identifying and prosecuting the gang's leadership. The task force is expected to intensify operations across vulnerable forest corridors.
Point of View
But the metric that matters more is the 90-plus per cent conviction rate — if accurate, it suggests the task force has moved beyond seizures toward dismantling supply chains. Historically, red sandalwood enforcement in Andhra Pradesh has been prone to lower-rung arrests while gang leadership escapes scrutiny. Pawan Kalyan's directive to trace the 'actual mastermind' in the Anantapur case acknowledges that gap. The real test of this government's record will be whether kingpins face prosecution, not just couriers.
NationPress
26 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
By how much has red sanders smuggling reduced in Andhra Pradesh?
According to Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, red sanders smuggling in Andhra Pradesh has reduced by 70 per cent over the past two years. He attributed the decline to the coalition government's enforcement measures and the Red Sandalwood Anti-Smuggling Task Force.
What was seized in the latest red sandalwood operation in Anantapur?
The Red Sandalwood Anti-Smuggling Task Force seized 109 logs of red sandalwood valued at ₹2 crore near Bondalavada village in Narpala Mandal, Anantapur district. Three individuals, including Nallani Nandakumar, were taken into custody.
What is the conviction rate in red sandalwood smuggling cases in Andhra Pradesh?
Pawan Kalyan stated that over 90 per cent of individuals arrested in red sandalwood smuggling cases are being convicted, which he cited as evidence of the government's commitment to prosecuting offenders.
Who is Pawan Kalyan and what is his role in tackling red sanders smuggling?
Pawan Kalyan is the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and also serves as the Minister for Forests and Environment. In that capacity, he oversees the Red Sandalwood Anti-Smuggling Task Force and has directed officials to pursue both couriers and the masterminds behind smuggling networks.
Why is red sandalwood smuggling a major concern in Andhra Pradesh?
Red sandalwood is a protected species found primarily in Andhra Pradesh's forests and commands high prices in international — particularly East Asian — markets. Its trade is regulated under CITES, and well-organised smuggling networks with cross-state linkages have long posed an enforcement challenge to the state.
