The ebony had been on a motor vessel identified as "GT.22 Number 135/LLT" that had berthed at Sampaga beach, about 70 km from Mamuju city, Adjunct Senior Commissioner Darwis Rincing said here on Saturday.
"The ebony smuggling attempt was foiled on Friday (May 6) at the Sampaga beach and the ship has already been towed to Mamuju port to unload more than 300 pieces of ebony," he said, without mentioning the timber`s total value.
The police arrested two ship crew members, namely Aco and Budiman, for questioning related to their plan to smuggle the timber to the neighboring country, he said.
According to him, the local police had uncovered three illegal timber trade syndicates in Mamuju in the past three months and this was the largest bust ever since.
"Illegal trading in ebony in Malaysia has sharply increased in recent months, so that control should be stepped up," Darwis cited.
The number of ebony trees in Mamuju continues to decline due to illegal logging practices committed by irresponsible people, he added.
He expressed hope that all parties including the public pro-actively report to police personnel when they find illegal logging practices, especially when it involved ebony.
In addition, Darwis said the success in foiling the timber smuggling attempt was thanks to good cooperation between police and the forestry ministry.
(SYS/B003/H-YH)
Editor: Suryanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
