Employees of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti Forestry Service have uncovered a case of illegal logging in Lentekhi municipality.
The offender allegedly falsified origin documentation for up to 6 cubic meters of coniferous timber by reusing a special forestry tag, and later stored the wood at the premises of a registered sawmill.
Authorities say the environmental damage is currently being assessed. The seized timber has been transferred to the Lentekhi business yard for further disposal.
As the case shows signs of a criminal offense, materials have been forwarded to the relevant investigative agency for further action.
“The primary goal of the forestry reform is to strengthen forest monitoring and control. To implement this effectively, the National Forestry Agency is fully equipped with modern technological means,” said Besik Amiranashvili, Head of the National Forestry Agency. “Furthermore, within the scope of the reform, the agency will add 401 new employees who will monitor safety and order across specific forest beats. All of these steps are aimed at minimizing cases of illegal logging to the greatest extent possible.”
