Prosecutors build illegal logging case

Prosecutors build illegal logging case

PADANG, West Sumatra: The West Sumatra Prosecutor's Office is
currently building a case against suspects after 1,310 illegally
cut logs were seized in Mentawai Islands regency, West Sumatra,
on Saturday.

The logs were seized from two boats docked on Sipora island in
the Mentawai Islands regency, said the chief of West Sumatra
Prosecutor's Office, Antasari Azhar.

During the arrests on Saturday, the prosecutor's office also
seized various documents and heavy equipment. The prosecutors
allege the logs were cut from protected forests.

Antasari said prosecutors were questioning parties allegedly
linked to the logs, including Mentawai Forestry Office chief
Samuel Panggabean, the chairmen of several local logging
cooperatives and several executives from timber companies. -- JP