Bhubaneswar, Aug. 4 -- The state Mining Department on Tuesday launched a joint crackdown on the alleged illegal transportation of sand from Odisha's Balasore district to West Bengal.

The department seized four Hyva trucks and two tractors during raids in Jaleswar, Basta and Baliapal.

The action came amid allegations that 'sand is being transported illegally across the state border every day despite repeated complaints by local residents'.

According to officials, mining authorities from Jaleswar and Basta carried out the operation after receiving information about the alleged illegal movement of sand.

During the raid, two Hyva trucks were seized from the Basta police station area, while two Hyva trucks and two tractors were intercepted...