On February 5, Tuy Duc District People's Committee said that the authorities are investigating and clarifying the case of illegal logging in the border area of Quang Truc commune.
Forest trees were cut down everywhere.
Following information from local residents about the large-scale deforestation that occurred in the border commune of Quang Truc, Tuy Duc district, we went to the scene and witnessed an extremely heartbreaking scene.
The deforestation occurred in sub-areas 1444, 1446... belonging to the forest area managed by the Dak Nong Border Belt Protection Forest Management Board located in Quang Truc commune.
At the scene, hundreds of large and small trees were cut down, leaving only bare stumps. Through observation, there were signs of new cuts, and sap oozing from the newly severed tree trunks. Many tree trunks were cut into 2-3 meter long pieces for easy transport out of the forest.
In a forest in sub-region 1444, where dozens of trees were cut down, the traces of logging were very clear. The trunks of the trees had been transported away, leaving only branches and leaves piled up.
Investigating and clarifying the case
According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, previously, on January 16, 2025, the authorities received a report about illegal exploitation and transportation of forest products.
After that, the Mobile Forest Ranger and Forest Fire Prevention Team coordinated with the Tuy Duc - Dak R'lap Inter-District Forest Ranger Department to inspect the Bu Chap Border Guard Station area, Tuy Duc district.
Here, the authorities discovered a modified tractor transporting forest products. The driver was Y Ngai Nie (born in 2006, residing in Buon Cuor, Ea M’DRoh commune, Cu M’gar district, Dak Lak province). This person could not present legal documents for these forest products.
The inspection team has made a record, temporarily seized the evidence and vehicles, and brought them to Quang Truc Forest Protection Station for processing. The forest products include 0.757m3 of wood and 4 Ster of firewood belonging to group VII.
Expanding the investigation, the Forest Rangers discovered many tree stumps cut down along the patrol route. The results of the inventory showed that there were 569 tree stumps cut down in sub-areas 1439, 1441, 1444, 1446 under the management of the Border Belt Protection Forest Management Board.
The remaining volume of forest products at the scene is 32,623m3 of wood and 30,634 Ster of firewood, the main species are Royal Poinciana, Bom Bop, Cho Thot... belonging to group V - VIII.
After receiving information about the incident, the leaders of the Forest Protection Department directly directed and assigned civil servants of professional departments to support the Mobile Forest Protection Team and Forest Fire Prevention and Control Team, Tuy Duc - Dak R'Lap Inter-District Forest Protection Department to handle the incident according to regulations.
On January 17, 2025, the Forest Protection Department assigned the Tuy Duc - Dak R'lap Inter-District Forest Protection Department to invite the Investigation Police Agency - District Police, Tuy Duc District People's Procuracy, Quang Truc Commune People's Committee, and Border Belt Protective Forest Management Board to organize a crime scene investigation.
At the same time, request the Department of Police Investigation of Crimes on Corruption, Economy, Smuggling, and Environment - Dak Nong Provincial Police to send officers to support the Forest Rangers in the handling process.
On January 18 and 19, 2025, the authorities organized a crime scene investigation and handed over the scene to the Border Belt Protection Forest Management Board for management and protection.
Currently, the police and forest rangers have taken statements from 7 related subjects.
According to Tuy Duc District People's Committee, along with continuing to search for related subjects, authorities are also increasing patrols and controls at hot spots to prevent further deforestation.
