An illegal logging operation was busted in the Southwest section of the Maya Forest Corridor, also known as the Manatee Forest Reserve and the Forest Department has charged four persons.
They were caught on Saturday while Wildlife Conservation Society rangers were on patrol and came across the active illegal logging site which had a variety of illegally extracted hardwoods.
The 4 persons, all from Cotton Tree are: Weldon Maas, Jesus Maas, Noemi Perez and Everardo Maas, and they were found in possession of approximately 112 pieces of mahogany and 85 pieces of Salmwood lumber of various dimensions without any valid permits.
2 vehicles loaded with forest produce, were also seized.
In a release issued today it adds that an interagency follow-up reconnaissance by the Forest Department, the Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, and WCS on November 3, 2025, recovered an additional 30 pieces of mahogany lumber from the surrounding forested area.
The forest department reminds the public that it is illegal to cut or harvest lumber or any other forest produce without a permit.
