Myanmar seizes over 510 tonnes of illegal timbers over one month

YANGON (Xinhua): Myanmar authorities seized over 510 tonnes of illegal timbers across the country over one month, according to a release from the Forest Department under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation on Wednesday (Oct 6).

The seizures were made in the country's regions, states and Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory from Aug 30 to Oct 3.

According to the release, the seized illegal timbers included over 217 tonnes of teak, over 72 tonnes of hardwood and over 221 tonnes of other types of timber.

During the period, 121 offenders were charged in connection with the cases, along with the seizure of 80 vehicles and machines.

Meanwhile, the Forest Department has been making efforts to crack down on illegal logging and trading of forest products as well as to implement tree plantation projects in substitution.