RASUWA, Feb 18: During a regular patrol, Area Police Office (APO), Thambuchet on Saturday confiscated 19 logs of illegal Salla trees from Brapche.

According to the District Police Office, the confiscated timber has been kept on the premises of the APO and police have expedited investigation to search for those involved in illegal chopping of trees. Harish Chandra Sapkota, a forest officer, informed that strict action will be taken against the smugglers as per the law once they are arrested. He further informed that the logs will be auctioned if no one comes forward to claim them.

Six months ago, a joint team of police and forest officials had caught two smugglers red-handed while transporting 200 logs of illegal Salla using a container truck registered with the number Na 6 Kha 8283. Those arrested were Singi Tamang, 33, of Gosaikunda Rural Municipality and Krishna Lal Newar, 30, of Sindhupalchowk. Police have filed a case against both of them. As the demand for timber increased after the earthquakes, illegal logging has spiked across the country. Police said they have increased patrols to prevent illegal logging.

 
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• rasuwa