Bhubaneswar: Kashinagar police in Gajapati district seized around 105 kg of sandalwood worth an estimated Rs 10 lakh and arrested three persons for allegedly transporting the contraband illegally early on Thursday.Acting on a tip-off, a police team intercepted an autorickshaw on State Highway-4 near Kharada Chowk on Paralakhemundi-Gunupur road around 5.30 am. The vehicle was suspected to be carrying sandalwood.Police said the driver tried to flee after spotting the team but was caught. During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered approximately 105 kg of sandalwood packed in five bags. The arrested trio were identified as Siraj Khan and Akram Khan, both residents of Kusumi village under Tangi police limits in Khurda district, and Damodar Pradhan of Sanasada village under Ramgiri police station in Gajapati district.Apart from sandalwood, police seized the auto used for transportation, three mobile phones and Rs 4,000 in cash. A case has been registered under relevant sections of BNS and Odisha Forest Act and Odisha Timber and Other Forest Produce Transit Rules.Police said sandalwood and other materials have been taken seized and further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the consignment and its intended destination.Officials suspect the accused were part of an illegal forest produce transportation network and said efforts are on to identify others involved in the operation.