Ebony seized in Ujungpandang

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: The city administration has confiscated 1,959 cubic meters of ebony believed to be illegal.

Authorities are investigating the manager of a Japanese joint venture company. The ebony was discovered at the company's storehouse.

Chief of the city's forestry agency, Pither Gadi, said it was believed the ebony was acquired to produce statues for Japanese buyers. (37/09)