Mondulkiri forestry officials raided and seized a timber stockpile yesterday in Keo Seima district, though the owner of the contraband goods fled.

Choy Sokheng, director of the Keo Seima Forestry Administration, said his officials worked with local police to inspect a house they believed contained illegal timber.

The force found three kinds of illegal wood among the 23 pieces.

“The house owner is Yan Srol, 32 . . . and now he disappeared. The seized timber was impounded at the Forestry Administration office and a lawsuit is being prepared for further procedures,” Sokheng said.

He added the wood would be sent to Mondulkiri provincial officials, who said they have yet to receive the timber.

“During the operation, the Keo Seima Forestry Administration reported to me, but the evidence has not reached me yet,” said Keo Sopheak, head of the provincial Environmental Department.

“If they send it to me, I will inspect them and forward to the court. As for the arrest of the owner, it depends on the court to issue a warrant,” said Um Van Sopheak, head of the provincial Forestry Administraton.