KENINGAU: Gaharu or Agarwood worth millions were recovered from eight people including a Cambodian who were arrested by the Sabah Forestry Department.
The suspects were held after a month-long surveillance in protected forests deep in the interior of Sabah, including Maliau Basin, also known as the “Lost World”, recently.
Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Sam Mannan said the Gaharu seized is valued in the millions and the trade is linked to international buyers of various countries.
“The seized goods included several consignments of processed Gaharu, kept in dwelling houses, ready for export and a 4-wheel drive vehicle used for transportation to export points.
Of the eight suspects arrested, one was a Malaysian and the seven others were foreigners including the Cambodian.
The Cambodian was also found to be in possesion of an unverified Mykad with permanent residence status, he said.
He said the arrests were made with public cooperation, and the suspects will be brought to court and charged under the Forest Enactment 1968.
“If convicted, the Forestry Department shall apply for deterrent sentences due to the serious occurrences of gaharu theft in Sabah,” he added.
Trade of Gaharu or its scientific name Aquillaria malaccensis is illegal and its listed in Appendix II by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Fauna and Flora.