On June 16, information from Thanh Hoa Forest Protection Department said that recently, the situation of illegal exploitation, transportation, and trading of rosewood trees from natural forests in the province has become complicated.
From the beginning of 2026 to now, Thanh Hoa forest rangers have discovered and handled 49 violations related to the exploitation, transportation, and storage of rosewood trees of unknown origin; confiscated 557 trees and 266 rosewood tree spawns, and administratively fined 263 million VND.
Specifically in the communes of the old Nhu Thanh district, the Nhu Thanh Forest Protection Department discovered and handled 6 violations, including 2 cases of illegal storage, 2 cases of transportation and 2 cases of illegal exploitation of rosewood. Functional forces confiscated 21 trees and 131 rosewood root wood blanks, fined 18.75 million VND. These exhibits have been handed over to Ben En National Park for reception, care and preservation.
According to Thanh Hoa Forest Protection Department, the situation of exploiting rosewood trees for sale as ornamental plants and bonsai has appeared since the end of 2025, mainly in some mountainous communes with limestone mountain systems belonging to old districts such as Ba Thuoc, Cam Thuy, Ngoc Lac, Nga Son, Nhu Thanh.
To prevent this situation, Thanh Hoa Forest Protection Department has requested forest rangers to strengthen patrols and controls at key routes such as National Highway 45, National Highway 47, Ho Chi Minh Road and transport routes from mountainous areas to northern provinces.
Functional forces also reviewed the trading of rosewood trees on social networks; strictly handled cases of advertising, livestreaming, gathering, and illegal transportation of this type of tree.
Syzygium myrtifolium, scientifically named Syzygium myrtifolium, usually grows in natural rocky mountainous areas. Although not on the list of endangered and rare plants, illegal exploitation in natural forests still violates forestry laws.
Thanh Hoa Forest Protection Department recommends that people not exploit, buy, sell, transport or store rosewood trees of natural origin. Violations may be subject to administrative penalties; serious cases may be considered for criminal prosecution.
