Sandalwood seized

KATHMANDU: Police raided a house in Ramhiti of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-6, and arrested two persons with 83 kilograms of red sandalwood and 150 grams of yarsagumba.

The suspects have been identified as the house owner Chyaba Lama, 60, and Yonden Gyamcho Tamang, 20, of Mugu. They have been kept in the custody of Bouddha-based Metropolitan Police Circle for further investigation.

Red sandalwood is listed under Appendix II of the CITES to which Nepal is a party, obliging it to outlaw transportation, possession, sale and distribution of the rare wood. Because of its aromatic, favourable coloration and high density, this species has been among the most priced wood for furniture due to its rarity, according to police