Logs seized in SE Sulawesi

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Kendari police seized eight cubic meters of logs allegedly stolen from the teak forest in Wawonii in the province.

Adj. Sr. Comr. Sumaryoto, chief of Kendari Police, said the logs had been seized after acting on information from local people living near the forest areas.

"We believe the owner of the logs knew about the seizure but wouldn't claim ownership of them because the logs do not have the necessary documentation. Only PT Inhutani has authority to slash trees in the forest," he said.

Previously, 10 cubic meters of illegal logs were seized from the forest area and Mar, who was suspected of ownership of the logs, was still undergoing a police investigation.

Sumaryoto said the police would continue to crack down on the widespread illegal logging in forest areas in the province until Dec. 10, 2001. --Antara