Jammu, June 28 (UNI) Jammu Police today said that they have foiled a bid to smuggle Khair Wood in the Bhalwal area here in the city outskirts.

Police here said that in a significant joint operation carried out during late-night hours, police and forest department officials intercepted a vehicle involved in the illegal transportation of Khair wood at Agore Chowk in Bhalwal.

A car coming from the Showa side was signalled to stop at a naka point, but the driver attempted to flee the scene. Acting swiftly, the joint team managed to chase down and intercept the vehicle, said police.

They said that the driver was identified as Mohd Ishrat, a resident of Showa, Tehsil Bhalwal, District Jammu.

During inspection, the vehicle was found to be loaded with approximately three quintals of Khair wood, being transported without a valid permit allegedly for illegal sale and undue profit.

The vehicle, along with the illegally transported Khair wood, was seized on the spot, and a formal report has been lodged.

After the completion of all legal formalities, the seized vehicle and material will be handed over to the Forest Department for further legal action under the Forest Act, said police.

UNI VBH ARN