Maputo, 30 Sept (AIM) – Over 9,000 wooden planks, corresponding to 547.02 cubic metres of timber, have been seized by environmental authorities in Zalala neighbourhood, Mocímboa da Praia town, northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado.
The operation – which was coordinated by the National Agency for Environmental Quality Control (AQUA, IP) and the Natural Resources and Environment Protection Police (PPRNMA) – followed intelligence-gathering activities by environmental inspection teams, which had been monitoring suspicious movements linked to the illegal felling, transportation and sale of native timber.
The seized timber, consisting of native species classified as precious, was stored in seven residential compounds located in the beach area.
According to authorities, initial information points out that the timber may have been awaiting loading onto barges bound for Tanzania.
Following the operation, the seized timber was placed under the custody of the Mocímboa da Praia District government, pending legal procedures to formally submit the case to the district-level Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The authorities are also working to identify the owners of the timber and establish responsibility for its possession, storage and possible attempted transportation.
This operation highlights the pressure on forest resources and the need to strengthen inspection and control measures in areas where timber is produced, stored and transported.
(AIM)
Zt/Am/
