COIMBATORE: In an overnight operation, the Coimbatore city police seized and fined more than 33 trucks for carrying gravel sand without permission and above the allowed quantity in the city.The Coimbatore district administration has strictly banned the illegal quarrying and smuggling of mineral resources, including gravel sand, without proper permits or in violation of regulatory guidelines. Despite the prohibition, authorities received confidential intelligence that the illegal smuggling of mineral resources was actively continuing in the region.Based on orders from city police commissioner N Kannan, police launched an intensive nighttime patrol and surveillance operation that lasted from Friday evening till Saturday morning.Police checked 150 trucks in the city and found 33 vehicles transporting gravel sand in breach of the guidelines. Out of 33 trucks, 30 were carrying more than the allowed quantity and three were without proper permits. Police took all trucks, along with sand loads, to the respective local police stations.A senior police officer stated that they were been closely monitoring trucks carrying sand to curb illegal mining. Based on specific intelligence, they conducted this operation. The vehicles carrying overloads were fined, and cases have been registered against the trucks carrying sand without permits.Authorities issued a stern warning that severe legal action would continue to be taken against anyone found indulging in the illegal trafficking of mineral resources.
