46 arrested for illegal Amazon logging
46 arrested for illegal Amazon logging
mongabay.com
August 11, 2006
The Associated Press reports that 46 people, including 16 agents of the federal environmental protection agency, were arrested for allegedly operating illegal logging operations in the Amazon rainforest and southern Brazil.
The Brazilian environment ministry said the group sold 32 million cubic feet of illegally logged tropical hardwoods, worth an estimated $25 million. The accused agents reportedly sold illegal logging permits.
Police said it was the second largest operation to crack down on illegal logging this year. In June 74 people were arrested.
In Brazil, landowners are required to leave 80 percent of forested areas standing but often ignore the regulations. Loggers also skirt laws that require them to file land management plans before logging.
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