JCF probing incident in forestry reserve

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) said that it is investigating the recent theft of mahogany lumber, estimated to be of significant value, from the Forestry Reserves near Accompong, in St Elizabeth.

In a release from the JCF's Constabulary Communications Network, the police said that last Friday, agents from the Forestry Department discovered and seized piles of illegally harvested mahogany lumber.

"Unfortunately, their efforts were obstructed by roadblocks and aggressive actions from unidentified individuals, culminating in the abduction and obstruction of these state agents," the JCF said. "It is imperative to understand that these actions are criminal offences against the State."

In its own release, the Forestry Department said that last Thursday, forest rangers from the agency identified an illegal timber harvesting operation in Lewis Patent in the Cockpit Country Forest Reserve, which is part of the Cockpit Country Protected Area. The agency said that it dispatched a team the following day to seize the timber. It was reported that at approximately 7 a.m., a truck loaded with lumber was seen leaving the area before their arrival. The agency said that it discovered significant illegal harvesting activities, including the cutting and conversion of several Jamaican mahogany trees into lumber.

"The team began retrieving the lumber, loading 150 pieces into the agency's three-ton truck. However, their exit was blocked as trees and boulders were used to obstruct the road. The team contacted the head office, and a secondary team was dispatched, coordinating with the police for their release," the release said. Around 10 p.m., the secondary team, along with eight police officers in three service vehicles, attempted to clear the blockage but stones were thrown at them from the surrounding hills. Both teams were forced to spend the night on-site, awaiting further assistance.

A Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) team arrived approximately 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, retrieving the agency personnel by 8 a.m. The agency said that with the combined efforts of the police, JDF and Jamaica Fire Brigade, all state officers and equipment were eventually retrieved. But the agency said that a convoy which attempted to depart the area around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday was impeded in Quickstep Square by residents.

"The superintendent on site successfully ensured the safe departure of the Forestry Department personnel and the evidence, which has been secured in Kingston for further investigation," the agency stated.