A magistrate's court in Essau fined seven men D20,000 each on charges of illegal logging after North Bank Region forestry officials prosecuted them for cutting trees without permits. Mass Sowe, Baye Jobe, Almamo Manneh, Tijan Darboe, Demba Bah, Alieu Jallow, and Tiab Jobe pleaded guilty to violations under Section 87 of the Forest Act. Three defendants paid immediately, while four received bail from Essau Police Station with payments due on Monday.
Regional Forestry Officer Pierre R. Colley said his office maintains strict enforcement against unauthorized timber harvesting. The court sentenced each defendant to one year in prison if they fail to pay the penalties under Class III provisions. Colley called for cooperation between forest scouts and residents to prevent resource depletion from excessive exploitation.
Regional Forestry Officer Pierre R. Colley said his office maintains strict enforcement against unauthorized timber harvesting. The court sentenced each defendant to one year in prison if they fail to pay the penalties under Class III provisions. Colley called for cooperation between forest scouts and residents to prevent resource depletion from excessive exploitation.
