North Macedonia seizes 734 m³ of timber in intensified anti-logging raids
Forest Police operations in October led to 734 m³ of timber confiscated and 147 misdemeanor and criminal reports filed.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management reported that Forest Police operations carried out during October resulted in the seizure of 734 cubic metres of timber and the filing of 147 misdemeanor and criminal complaints targeting illegal felling, transportation and trade in wood from unlawful sources.
Scope and material seized
Most of the seized volume consisted of oak and beech: 288 m³ of oak and 274 m³ of beech. The remainder comprised 51 m³ of mixed wood and 121 m³ of technical logs (roundwood), bringing the total to 734 m³.
Alongside the timber, authorities temporarily confiscated 11 cargo and 15 passenger motor vehicles, eight tractors, 13 trailers and 18 chainsaws. Authorities submitted 122 misdemeanor reports to the competent courts and 25 criminal charges to the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office.
Commenting on the campaign, Minister Borche Serafimovski said: "Individuals profit from illegal logging, while all citizens bear the damage. That is why we will continue with intensified controls and will act decisively against any illegal activity that destroys the forests. We will seek accountability both from those who cut illegally and those who resell the wood. Forests are a common wealth and it is our duty to protect them."
The ministry framed the October actions as part of an ongoing effort to cut supply chains for illicit timber and to dissuade those who profit from illegal trade. Officials said controls will be maintained and that further legal steps will follow where evidence warrants prosecution.
Forest protection officials emphasised that stopping unlawful activity requires disrupting both the loggers operating in the field and the networks buying and transporting illegally sourced wood.
Photo: press material from the event
