Forest intruders fined D30, 000

Three forest intruders were recently fined D30, 000 in total by the Upper Nuimi district tribunal presided over by Chief Lamin Jammeh for illegal felling of trees without authority, and the illegal transportation of timber.

The accused persons, Alkali Seckan, Majanko Sonko and one Ebrima Njie, a driver, were recently intercepted with a truck loaded with timber by the regional forestry officer in Upper Nium district, Saikou Sonko.

The three admitted the offence charged, and begged the tribunal’s forgiveness, saying it was not their intention to destroy the forest.

At that juncture, the tribunal fined each of the defenders D10,000 and the fine was to be paid on or before the 30th April 2011, in default to serve six months in prison with hard labour.

The tribunal also ordered them to pay the fine to the forestry regional office in Upper Nuimi, and the receipts be given to the chief for the court’s file.

The tribunal further ordered that the chain saw and timber to be seized, and taken to the forestry department.

The court sitting took place at Sitanunku village in Upper Niumi district, and was attended by top forestry department officials led by Sajor Fatajo, the acting director of the Forestry Department.