A government crackdown resulted in 1,428 cases of forestry and wildlife crimes in 2017, with 778 of those cases ending up in courts and the remaining 650 leading to administrative fines.
According to the annual report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the cases included illegal logging, the cutting of forest land and offences related to the bush meat trade.
The report said officials had confiscated almost 8,755 cubic metres of wood, including 63 cubic metres of rosewood. Officers also confiscated 2,248 kilos of wildlife and seized 4,115 animals.
The report also said the ministry collected more than $6 million in revenue from public services, fines and the profits of selling confiscated timber in the year.
“The ministry urges public bidding for timber confiscated by the court judgments and the transaction of the administrative fines, and this enhances people to comply strictly with the laws relating to forests,” the report said.
Full story in Monday’s paper.
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