MANYINGA – The Forestry Department has arrested two suspects and seized 218 suspected illegally harvested rosewood logs during a major enforcement operation targeting illegal timber harvesting in Manyinga District, North-Western Province.
The operation, conducted on 18 July 2026, forms part of the Forestry Department's intensified crackdown on the illegal harvesting and trade of rosewood, a protected hardwood species frequently targeted by illegal logging syndicates.
The operation was led by Forestry Officer Paul Macwani and Senior Public Prosecutor Alex Yanganani of the National Prosecution Authority's Environmental and Wildlife Crimes Department under the Forestry Department's newly established Law Enforcement Unit, which is using prosecution-led investigations to strengthen environmental crime enforcement.
Investigators traced the suspected illegal timber to the Zam-Viet timber yard in Manyinga District, where officers discovered a large stockpile of timber believed to have been harvested and possessed unlawfully, along with vehicles and equipment allegedly used in the operation.
Items seized during the operation include:
218 suspected illegal rosewood logs (both marked and unmarked)
149 pieces of sawn timber
Five trucks, including two operational and three non-operational vehicles
Two Wood-Mizer industrial milling machines
One forklift
Authorities have placed all the recovered timber, vehicles and equipment under State custody pending the completion of investigations and court proceedings.
The suspects have been identified as Ngu Yen, a Vietnamese national and Director of Zam-Viet, and Alick Mwanga, 37, of Chalala Township in Lusaka.
According to investigators, Mr. Mwanga claimed ownership of part of the recovered timber but was unable to produce documentation demonstrating its lawful origin or legal possession.
Both suspects are currently being held at Manyinga Police Station, while authorities arrange for a qualified interpreter to assist Mr. Ngu Yen during legal proceedings.
Once investigations are concluded, the suspects are expected to face charges under the Forestry Act, the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act, and Section 120(b) of the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011, relating to the unlawful possession of biological resources.
The State is also expected to seek the forfeiture of the seized timber, trucks, timber-processing equipment and any other assets allegedly used in the commission of the offences.
The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment said the operation represents another milestone in Government's efforts to combat environmental crime and protect Zambia's forests from illegal exploitation.
The Ministry warned that illegal harvesting and trafficking of rosewood continue to threaten biodiversity, sustainable forest management and the country's long-term economic interests.
Investigations remain ongoing as authorities verify documentation, interview witnesses and pursue additional leads.
The Forestry Department has urged individuals and companies involved in the timber trade to comply with forestry laws by obtaining the required licences and maintaining proper documentation for the harvesting, transportation, possession and trade of forest products.
It warned that those found engaging in illegal forestry activities risk criminal prosecution and the forfeiture of assets linked to the alleged offences.
Source: Zambia Reports