Enforcers checking the seized logs.
KUCHING: Sarawak Forest Department uncovered tactics used by illegal loggers during an operation yesterday.
It said illegal loggers would bury contraband logs to avoid detection by the authorities.
In the operation, a team of enforcers confiscated a total of 560 logs of various sizes at Sungai Menyan in Lubuk Antu.
Initial investigation showed many of the confiscated logs were ‘marked’ with fake plastic tags attached to them to mislead the authorities.
The operation was conducted following a public tip-off.
Separately, in an integrated operation conducted by Sarawak Forest Department in collaboration with Sarawak Timber Industry Corporation (STIDC), Immigration Department and General Operations Force many mangrove wood were seized.
Meanwhile, charcoal factory owners not registered with STIDC had been arrested and actions would be taken against them by STIDC.
Factories employing illegal immigrants will also be penalised by the Immigration Department.
Operations like these will be carried out from time to time.