Gangtok, July 9 -- A late-night interception near Ranka has resulted in one of the more significant forest offence penalties recovered in East Sikkim this year, with the Gangtok Territorial Forest Division realising Rs 4,45,000 as Government revenue after seizing a consignment of illegally transported timber.

According to a press release issued by the Gangtok Territorial Division of the Forest and Environment Department, the operation was launched after credible information was received from local public sources about the illicit movement of timber through the area. Acting on the tip-off, a night patrol team from the Gangtok Range laid a carefully planned interception.

The operation bore fruit on the night of July 3, at around 9:00 PM, ...