Vehicles seized, fines levied for illegal logging

FINES totaling $3,600 were handed out  and trucks seized in Los Santos on Wednesday for the illegal logging of the endangered cococbolo tree. 

The National Environmental Agency (ANAM)will plant 2 000 seedlings to reforest some areas damaged by the violators

ANAM director David Vergara said that five vehicles used for the illegal activity, are being held. Fifteen other cases, including six relating to vehicles used to load illegally cut  wood have had penalties imposed

Cocobolo is part of the rosewood family  and fetches high prices for use as an ornamentsl wood. It  gives off a smell similar to that of a rose when it is cut, and even after harvesting the wood retains a pleasant, fragrant aroma. 

Cocobolo is usually a rich orange in color, and often develops interesting color patterns after being cut. It is used in making ornaments and chess sets.

The Superior Court of the Fourth Judicial District of Herrera and Los Santos denied an injunction against a provision of Anam to seize vehicles used for transporting illegal timber.

The court noted that the resolution authorizing this measure conforms to the law empowering  Anam to seize all types of equipment, tools and materials used in acts of illegal logging and destruction of forestry resources.