(20 Feb 2025) GAROWE (Halqabsi News) — Police in Garowe, Puntland, have seized a consignment of illegally logged timber and arrested several suspects during a crackdown on environmental crimes.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday night in Garowe, the capital of the Nugaal region, followed a tip-off from local youths. Among the confiscated timber were Quwaax (Commiphora horida) and other valuable plant species, which are crucial to the region’s biodiversity.
Puntland’s Ministry of Environment, Livestock, and Climate Change praised the swift action by security forces and reaffirmed its commitment to combating environmental degradation.
“Severe actions will be taken against those involved in environmental destruction,” said Minister Mohamed Abdirashid Faroole, urging the public to work with authorities in safeguarding Somalia’s natural resources.
Illegal logging remains a pressing issue in Somalia, contributing to deforestation and worsening climate change impacts. The Puntland government has pledged to intensify efforts to curb the illicit practice and enforce stricter environmental regulations.
In June 2022, authorities convicted and sentenced Liibaan Cali Food, accused of masterminding an operation to export Commiphora horida from Puntland, marking a significant legal precedent in the fight against illegal logging.
Halqabsi News
