Mysuru, May 23 -- Forest department officials have busted an alleged timber smuggling network transporting valuable Beete wood logs illegally from forest regions of Virajpet in Kodagu district. Officials seized a truck carrying timber worth nearly Rs 28 lakh and arrested the driver involved in the operation.

The arrested accused has been identified as Abdul Shukoor, a native of Malappuram in Kerala, who was also the owner-cum-driver of the truck. During the operation, forest officials recovered 45 Beete wood logs valued at around Rs 30 lakh from the vehicle.

According to officials, the timber was being smuggled from Kodagu, concealed between sacks filled with coffee husk and wood waste materials. Acting on credible information, a team l...