Illegal loggers sent to court

Illegal loggers sent to court

MANOKWARI, Papua: Police here have transferred two suspected thieves accused of stealing dozens of cubic meters of logs to the district prosecutor's office, so that prosecutors may prepare charges against them.

Manokwari detective police chief Adj. Comr. John C.E. Nababan said on Tuesday the two suspects, identified as La Amana and Philipus, are currently under detention at the local prosecutor's office.

Under the existing law, the two suspects face a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail and a Rp 1 billion fine.

The court proceedings for the two suspects will be the first trial for such thefts in Papua. All previous criminals who were arrested for similar charges had been released without explanation.

Local people said they hope that the trial of La Amana and Philipus would help boost law enforcement against illegal loggers in the country's easternmost province. -- Antara