Man Fined for Illegal Possession of Forest Produce

A man has been fined over $2,000 for unlawful possession of timber after being caught with forest produce without a permit. On October 30, 2024, the Forest Department responded to an illegal logging report near Franks Eddy Village in the Cayo District, where they encountered Welfredo Cristales in possession of 15 pieces of Santa Maria flitches. The timber, measuring a total of 570 board feet, was confiscated.

Cristales was charged for the illegal possession of forest produce and appeared before the Belmopan Magistrate Court, where he pleaded guilty. He was fined $2,279.60, and the seized timber was forfeited to the Forest Department.

The Forest Department has reiterated its commitment to enforcing forest laws and has called on the public to assist in protecting Belize’s natural resources by reporting illegal activities, such as unlawful logging, wildlife trafficking, and other forest-related violations. They stress that safeguarding the country’s forests and biodiversity is a collective responsibility.

Anyone with information on forest crimes is encouraged to contact the Forest Department or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fdbelize.

 

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