In what can be termed a major jolt to gangs involved in the smuggling of Khair wood (Acacia catechu), the Jawahar Forest Division, along with the Dahanu Forest Division, seized more than 15 tonnes of Khair wood on Friday morning on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway near Charoti, approximately 110 km north of Mumbai. The wood is in high demand as it is used to produce 'Kattha,' an essential ingredient in pan and gutkha.

The operation was led by Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) – Jawahar Forest Division, Saipun Sheikh.