A 26-year-old man named S. Sudeep was arrested by the Forest Department for smuggling red sanders near Naickaneri tribal village atop a hillock near Ambur town in Tirupattur on Thursday. Forest officials said Sudeep, a tribal from Naickaneri village, was stopped after he avoided a check. "We checked the vehicle and found traces of smuggled red sanders, including wood pieces. The suspect also admitted that they have hidden red sanders in the hills. A search team is on the job," said M. Babu, forest range officer. The SUV driven by Sudeep was seized and a case registered. He was lodged at the sub-jail in Tirupattur town. M. Mahendran, District Forest Officer, had recently ordered intensified surprise checks to stop illegal smuggling and trespassing. Local police and forest officials continue surprise checks. Special teams are now working to catch Sudeep's gang members and recover hidden red sanders. The seized wood was sent to the government timber unit in Tirupattur to make incense sticks. The investigation is ongoing.