Photo: Tradeboss
A foreign logging company in Solomon Islands is being investigated for using fake government documents to gain access to and cut down a protected tree species.
Local media reported the government was moving to seize a consignment of Queen Ebony, known locally as Tubi, harvested in Isabel Province.
The rich dark hardwood is sought after for furniture and is being advertised at $US2,300 per tonne in some online markets.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Forestry, Vaeno Vigulu, said the logs were being stored at the Sumlimsum Company area at Noro, an international port in the Western Province.
"That Tubi consignment at Noro has been brought to the attention of relevant authority, including the Customs and now before the Attorney General's office."
Vigulu said the logging company had used a fake Gazette Notice signed by former Forestry Minister Culwick Togamana to log the protected forests.
Togamana denied any knowledge of the document.
Vigulu said only mining companies that have mining leases on Nickel Tenements are allowed to harvest the protected Tubi.
"You have to clear off the forest before actual mining can take place, and that's a special exemption," Vigulu told the national broadcaster.