Authorities seized a vehicle loaded with trees allegedly cut from a social forestry project during an operation in Pekua, Cox’s Bazar, early Monday.
The incident took place in the Sabujpara area of Shilkhali Union, where a group allegedly cut and smuggled trees from the forest at night.
Acting on a tip-off, officials of the Paharchanda Forest Beat under Barbakia Range raided the area around 4:00 am. They seized a Nasimon vehicle loaded with freshly cut trees.
Those allegedly involved in cutting and transporting the trees fled the scene during the operation.
Paharchanda Forest Beat Officer Sarwar Saidi said they had received allegations that a group had long been cutting and selling trees from the social forestry area.
“Based on the information, we conducted an operation around 4:00am and seized the Nasimon loaded with trees,” he said.
He said efforts were underway to identify those involved in cutting and smuggling the trees.
Legal action would be taken against those responsible after investigation, the forest official added.
Pekua Correspondent
