A four-day patrol conducted by the Prey Lang Community Network in Preah Vihear province has exposed significant illegal logging activities within the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary. Between July 24 and July 27, community members documented numerous forestry violations, leading to the seizure of equipment and timber.

During their sweep, the patrol group identified 21 freshly cut stumps of valuable tree species, including teal, kokoh, phteak, and doung chem. They also discovered five newly cleared areas and a site used for wildlife trapping. Authorities took six suspects into custody after the community uncovered 211 sawn timber planks, four timber posts, two chainsaws, and three tractors, totaling approximately 6.4 cubic metres of wood.

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In a separate event on July 26, activists intercepted a truck in Chey Sen district’s Thmea commune that was allegedly being loaded with 283 planks of timber, estimated at 5.6 cubic metres. The community identified the owner of the materials as a man named Yan Tha, who reportedly fled the scene with associates after unloading the cargo. Fearing for their safety, the patrol members did not attempt to physically detain the individuals.

Forest activist Ma Chitra alerted Ministry of Environment officials during the incident. Subsequently, sanctuary rangers recovered 50 timber planks from the site and moved them to the Sre Veal ranger station. The Ministry of Environment stated that the provincial environment department is currently preparing a case file to be submitted to the provincial prosecutor.

Source: Phnom Penh Post