Sun Mar 23 13:14:10 UTC 2025: ## Mysuru Handicraft Shops Busted for Illegal Sandalwood Sales
**Mysuru, March 23, 2025** – A joint operation by the Forest Mobile Squad in Mysuru resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of illegally traded sandalwood and red sandalwood from four handicraft shops on Friday. The raid, conducted by two teams led by Deputy Forest Conservator Chandrashekar Gowda Patil and Assistant Forest Conservator Rudresh C., uncovered 15.83 kg of sandalwood bits, 25.90 kg of red sandalwood bits, 4.60 kg of sandalwood powder, 730 grams of sandalwood chips, and 5.20 kg of red sandalwood powder.
The shops, which also sold silk sarees and other handicrafts, were found to be selling the sandalwood products without the necessary licenses. According to officials, the Forest Department does not issue licenses for the private sale of sandalwood bits, chips, powder, or oil. The public is advised to purchase these items only from the designated sandalwood depot at Aranya Bhavan in Ashokapuram, Mysuru.
Cases have been filed against all four shops under the provisions of the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts to combat illegal sandalwood trade in the region.
First Piper 