MIAOLI (TVBS News) — Police officers caught illegal loggers with their loot of Taiwan endemic trees in Miaoli, central Taiwan, on Monday (Nov. 21).
They discovered three giant logs of Taiwan Incense Cedar that weigh 2.04 tons and have an estimated value of US＄10K.
According to police, the illegal loggers were on their way down the mountain with the logs. They drove an unlicensed jeep with tools such as chainsaws and tried to escape across the river but were stuck.
Police officers quickly pulled the jeep out and arrested one of the loggers, who already had a criminal record for illegal logging. The other logger escaped into the woods and was still on the run at press times.
Illegal logging is an ongoing problem in Taiwan mountainous areas. High demand for wood in the market and lack of economic sources prompt people to violate the law.
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