Forest department busts timber smuggling network in Morigaon, two arrested with illegal wood haul

In a major crackdown on illegal logging, the Forest Department on Friday, December 12 arrested two alleged timber smugglers from Morigaon and seized a sizeable quantity of smuggled wood, along with a vehicle used for transportation.

The two accused — identified as Bhaskar Deka and Pabitra Deuri — were apprehended during a coordinated operation based on specific intelligence inputs. Officials confirmed that the duo had been involved in cutting trees from the Kumoi Reserved Forest, an area already under pressure due to repeated instances of illegal felling.

During the operation, forest officials raided an illegal timber mill at Sholmari, where they discovered and confiscated a significant stock of illicitly procured timber. A vehicle bearing registration number AS 01NC 6249, allegedly used for carrying the timber, was also seized.

Authorities recalled that on November 26, a group of smugglers had felled and removed four teak trees from the Kumoi Reserved Forest, prompting increased surveillance and intensified operations in the region.

Forest officials stated that the latest arrests were made after tracking leads from confidential sources. The department has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying monitoring and taking strict action against illegal logging, which poses a serious threat to the district’s protected forest areas.

An investigation is underway to identify other individuals and networks linked to the smuggling operation.