PHNOM PENH: Military forces from the Kampong Thom Regional Military Operations Command intercepted two tractor-trailers transporting illegally milled timber in the early hours of Friday, May 22.
Four cubic metres of sawn timber were seized in the operation, in Mean Rith commune, Sandan district.
Second Lieutenant Khean Tonghan, head of a unit stationed in the O’Kranhoung community forest area in Mean Rith commune, explained that at around 10.30pm the night before, confidential informants alerted the authorities to the incoming shipment.
According to the report, the vehicles departed from the border area between Kampong Thom and Kratie provinces and allegedly “passed through the Preah Athit area and the Kampong Thom environmental checkpoint” before entering Kampong Thom province after midnight.
At approximately 4.15am, soldiers intercepted the vehicles in the O’Das Skor community forest area. However, the owners of the tractors escaped, reportedly after removing the drive belts and ignition flywheels used to start the engines. It was unclear as to how the drivers were aware of the military presence.
General Som Sun, permanent deputy chair of the provincial committee for the prevention and suppression of natural resource crimes, inspected the timber before transferring it to the Tumring Forestry Administration office in Sandan district. Investigations are ongoing to identify the individuals responsible and prosecute them.
Sun shared his appreciation for Tonghan’s efforts in leading what he described as a “difficult operation”. He noted that the offenders appeared to have employed used extensive networks and various tactics to conduct their smuggling activities but were still unable to evade law enforcement efforts.
The lieutenant general also arranged for additional fuel supplies to support continued crackdowns on forestry crimes and ensure further successful operations. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
