KOCHI: The vessel carrying consignments of red sandalwood, which were suspected to be smuggled via Kochi, was brought back from Dubai and was unloaded at Vallarpadam ICTT on Wednesday. The consignments were brought to Kochi in a container vessel, Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS).According to sources, the vessel carried two containers of red sandalwood and they were unloaded from the ship by evening. The DRI officials are yet to confirm the quantity of red sandalwood in the vessel. Meanwhile, the DRI sources said that investigation is proceeding and that it may seek the assistance of Interpol in this regard. “The investigation is in the initial stage and we will seek the assistance of Interpol if required. We still suspect two persons behind the illegal trade who are currently in Dubai. Shahul Hamid, a Chennai native, and Shafeeq from Thalassery, have been operating the racket for a long time. But since the suspected duo currently resides in Dubai, we may need the assistance of the Interpol. The initial investigation reveals that there are several international links behind the illegal activity which was taking place from the Kochi port for the last several months,” a highly placed source with the DRI said.
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