Cabo Delgado authorities seize over 9,000 native timber planks

The Mozambican Agency for Environmental Quality Control (AQUA, IP) has seized 9,117 planks of native timber, totaling 547.02 cubic meters, in the Zalala neighborhood of Mocímboa da Praia, Cabo Delgado province.

The seizure, conducted with the assistance of the Natural Resources and Environment Protection Police (PPRNMA), follows intelligence operations aimed at combating the illegal harvesting, transport, and sale of forest resources. The precious native wood was found stored in seven residential yards near the beach. Authorities suspect the timber was awaiting shipment to the United Republic of Tanzania via barges.

The seized goods are currently held by the Government of the Mocímboa da Praia District while legal proceedings are initiated with the Public Prosecutor's Office. Under Mozambican law, property owners found responsible for storing such illegal timber may face prison sentences of one to five years and fines.