Employees of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti Forestry Service have uncovered an illegal logging case in Lentekhi Municipality, according to Georgia's National Forestry Agency. The agency said the offender falsified documentation for nearly 6 cubic meters of coniferous timber by reusing a special identification tag before storing the wood at a registered sawmill.
The National Forestry Agency said authorities are currently assessing the environmental damage caused by the offense. The illegally harvested timber has been transferred to the Lentekhi storage facility for further handling.
As the case contains elements of a criminal offense, the materials have been forwarded to the relevant investigative authorities for further action.
National Forestry Agency Head Besik Amiranashvili said strengthening forest monitoring and enforcement remains one of the key goals of Georgia's forestry reform. He noted that the agency has been equipped with modern technologies and will recruit 401 additional employees to improve forest protection and reduce illegal logging nationwide.
