Seven detained for possessing gaharu wood worth millions

KOTA KINABALU: Seven people were nabbed after forest rangers seized protected gaharu wood (agarwood) worth millions of ringgit at a house in Keningau on Feb 2.

Sabah Conservation chief Datuk Sam Mannan said in a statement Monday (Feb 5) that the seven comprising six illegal immigrants and a Cambodian were believed to have obtained the gaharu from protected forests, including parts of the Maliau Basin.

“It is believed that the gaharu is worth millions of ringgit,” he said, adding that the raid was made after a month-long surveillance.

He said it is believed that the seven suspects were involved in the international black market trade.

Mannan said the when forestry officials made the raid, they found the wood packed and sealed, believed ready for export.

“We will make sure that these suspects are charged in court for the offence,” he added.