In an operation carried out by detectives from the Specialized Timber Theft Team of the Valdivia Environmental and Cultural Heritage Crimes Investigative Brigade (Bidema), two men were arrested for illegally extracting eucalyptus wood in Alerce Costero Park. The operation, coordinated with the Public Prosecutor's Office, led to the seizure of a pickup truck, a chainsaw, and two cubic meters of wood, in addition to revealing the felling of 40 mature trees.
Subprefect Cristian Muñoz, from the SUMA team, reported that the accused, aged 33 and 36, were carrying out cuts and extractions of eucalyptus without the corresponding authorization. "The accused entered the premises to carry out logging and extraction work of the exotic species eucalyptus. Subsequently, they stored the material inside the park and transported it to the commune of Corral in a pickup truck adapted for this purpose," explained Muñoz.
During the operation, a Chevrolet-brand pickup truck and a Husqvarna-brand chainsaw were seized, along with the cut wood already loaded in the vehicle. The total appraisal of the seized and recovered items amounts to $8,465,000. The swift action by the authorities not only stopped those responsible but also prevented further environmental damage in a high ecological value area.
The detainees, both with prior police records, were placed at the disposal of the Guarantee Court for their detention hearing. This case highlights the importance of surveillance and protection of our national parks and the constant fight against the illegal exploitation of natural resources.
The local community and environmental authorities have expressed their concern for the preservation of Alerce Costero Park, a protected area that harbors rich biodiversity and endemic species. This incident underscores the need to strengthen security measures and environmental awareness to safeguard these spaces vital to the country's natural heritage.
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