Illegal timber trade in Laamu Atoll

The illegal sale of timber from large timber trees has resumed in Laamu Gan, two years after police put a stop to the activity, reports Haveeru.

An islander who wished to remain anonymous claimed that a boatload of timber was being sold for Rf30,000 (US$2,300).

Mathimaradhoo district Island Chief Abdul Raheem said that large trees lining the industrial roads of the large island were fast disappearing.

A small number of people from all three districts of the island were employed in the illegal trade, he added.

Deputy Province State Minister Hussein Umar said that complaints had been received and action would be taken to stop the environmentally harmful activity.