Law enforcement's intensified efforts to curb the illegal trade of forest resources have led to the recovery of smuggled timber valued at hundreds of thousands of rupees across two separate districts.
The Armed Police Force (APF) recently confiscated a total of 332 cubic feet of wood, estimating its market worth at Rs 812,330, in coordinated operations in Jhapa and Sarlahi.
The most significant recovery occurred on Chaitra 28 in Ward 2 of Mechinagar Municipality, Jhapa. Personnel from the Bahundangi Border Out Post discovered a massive stash of abandoned Khayar wood logs. This specific haul amounted to 186 cubic feet and was valued at a staggering Rs 7,44,000.
A day prior, on Chaitra 27, a separate operation in Sarlahi district yielded further results. APF personnel stationed at the Balara Border Out Post intercepted a tractor bearing registration number Jha 1 Ta 2949 in Nadiyapakadi, Ward 2 of Bishnu Rural Municipality. The vehicle was illegally transporting 136 cubic feet of Simal and other varieties of timber, valued at Rs 68,330, from Godaita towards Phulparasi.
Following the successful interceptions, all confiscated materials, including the transport vehicle, have been transferred to the respective local authorities. This action initiates the legal process against the perpetrators and underscores a continued commitment to protecting the nation's valuable forestry assets from illicit exploitation.
