Mozambique’s National Agency for Environmental Quality Control (AQUA) has seized 9,117 planks of illegal native timber, equivalent to 547.02 cubic metres, in the district of Mocímboa da Praia, Cabo Delgado, the agency announced on Monday, 28 September.
The operation was carried out on Sunday, 27 September, in the Zalala neighbourhood, in coordination with the Natural Resources and Environment Protection Police, as part of ongoing efforts to combat the illegal felling, transportation, and commercialisation of forest resources.
According to AQUA, the timber — sourced from native species classified as precious hardwoods — was found stored across seven residential yards in a coastal area of Mocímboa da Praia town.
“Authorities suspect the consignment was awaiting loading onto barges bound for the neighbouring United Republic of Tanzania,” the agency stated.
The seized timber remains in the custody of the Mocímboa da Praia district government while legal proceedings are formalised with the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
AQUA noted that the owners of the properties where the timber was stored could face prison sentences of between one and five years, as well as financial penalties, if their responsibility is established under applicable law.
Authorities are continuing investigations to identify the owners of the seized timber. AQUA has also called on the public to report suspicious activities and movements involving forest resources.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=548116
