Kampong Thom provincial authorities on Saturday raided wood storage facilities at 11 locations and confiscated some 150 cubic metres of wood in Stoung district’s Samprorch commune as the facilities lacked proper permission letters, a Military Police report said.
The report said facilities in four of the locations belonged to Ban Lean and authorities seized 77 cubic metres of wood from his property.
Hy Kimheng owned facilities in three locations where 34 cubic metres of wood were confiscated.
A facility in one location was owned by Chhun Banhok and authorities seized 25 cubic metres there.
Twenty-five cubic metres of wood were seized from Tan Poty’s warehouse.
Seong Soda owned one warehouse as well, where seven cubic metres of wood were seized.
Another four cubic metres of wood were seized from Kheang Mony’s sole warehouse.
Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries director Pen Vanrith said on Monday that some of the owners had legal permission letters, but they had expired.
“Experts need to investigate whether to fine them or stop their businesses. We are measuring the wood and compiling a report,” Vanrith said.
The owners of the storage facilities could not be reached for comment.
Stoung district Forestry Administration director Mul Vanna said on Monday that the high-grade timber is being temporarily kept at the district Forestry Administration office.
