Posted: Tuesday, November 4, 2025. 4:54 pm CST.
Press Release
The Forest Department of the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management has detained and charged four individuals for unlawful possession of forest produce following an illegal logging operation discovered in the Southwest section of the Maya Forest Corridor.
On November 2, 2025, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) rangers on patrol uncovered an active illegal logging site about seven (7) miles along the Coastal Road on National Lands. Four individuals, Noemi Perez (44), Wedlyn Maas (21), Melvin Jesus Maas (23), and Everardo Maas (48), all of Cotton Tree Village, were found in possession of approximately 112 pieces (850 bdft) of mahogany and 85 pieces (928.8 bdft) of Salmwood lumber of various dimensions without any valid permits. Two vehicles, a blue Toyota 4Runner and a black Toyota pickup loaded with forest produce, were also seized.
WCS immediately alerted the Forest Department and the Police Department, leading to the detention of the individuals and confiscation of the lumber and vehicles. An interagency follow-up reconnaissance by the Forest Department, the Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, and WCS on November 3, 2025, recovered an additional 30 pieces of mahogany lumber from the surrounding forested area.
All four individuals have been charged under Section 19 of the Forest Act, Chapter 220, for “Unlawful Possession of Forest Produce.” The vehicles involved remain impounded pending court proceedings.
The Forest Department thanks all partners and the Belize Police Department, particularly officers from the Mahogany Heights and Hattieville Police Stations, for their swift action and coordinated response.
The public is reminded that illegal logging and unauthorized possession of forest produce are serious offences that threaten Belize’s natural heritage and the livelihoods that depend on healthy forests. Members of the public are urged to play their part in protecting our forests by reporting any suspicious or illegal activity to the Forest Department Hotline at 610-1524. Together, through shared vigilance and community actions, we can help preserve Belize’s forests.
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The post Four Cotton Tree residents busted with illegal wood appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, November 4, 2025. 4:54 pm CST. Press Release The Forest Department of the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management has
The post Four Cotton Tree residents busted with illegal wood appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
