Forest Police seize 734 cubic metres of timber in October; 147 reports filed
Operations in October led to the confiscation of 734 m³ of wood—mainly oak and beech—and 147 legal reports were lodged.
The Forest Police seized a total of 734 cubic metres of timber and filed 147 criminal and misdemeanor reports during intensified operations carried out throughout October, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy said.
Majority of the wood was oak and beech
Of the confiscated volume, 288 cubic metres were oak and 274 cubic metres were beech. The remainder included 51 cubic metres of mixed wood and 121 cubic metres of technical logs (trunks).
As part of the crackdown on illegal felling, transport and trade in timber of illicit origin, the Forest Police temporarily impounded 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 reports to the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office.
Minister Borche Serafimovski warned that "individuals profit from timber theft while the damage is borne by all citizens. That is why we continue with intensified controls and will act decisively against any illegal activity that destroys forests. We will seek accountability both from those who cut trees illegally and those who resell the wood. Forests are a common wealth and our obligation is to protect them."
The ministry said operations will continue as part of an ongoing effort to curb unlawful logging and to safeguard forest resources for the public.
Photo: press material from the event
