Myanmar seizes over 63.9 tons of illegal timber, arrests 16 offenders

YANGON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities have seized over 63.9 tons of illegal timber across the country in a week, the state-owned daily Myanma Alinn reported on Friday.

From Sept. 1 to Sept. 7, the confiscated timber included over 21.48 tons of teak, over 13.30 tons of hardwood and over 29.16 tons of other types of timber, the report said.

During this period, 16 suspects were charged in connection with the cases, along with the seizure of nine vehicles and machines, it added.

The Forest Department under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation is cracking down on illegal timber trade through various enforcement measures in collaboration with local communities, the report said. ■