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The Department of Forestry has arrested two suspects and seized more than 200 Rosewood logs, five trucks and heavy timber-processing equipment following a major enforcement operation in Manyinga District of North Western Province.
The operation was conducted on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Zam-Viet timber yard situated on traditional land in Manyinga District.
Officers from the Department of Forestry carried out the raid after investigations into suspected illegally harvested timber in the area, according to a statement issued on Monday.
Also present during the operation was Senior Public Prosecutor, Alex Yanganani, of the National Prosecution Authority’s Environmental and Wildlife Crimes Department, forming part of ongoing collaboration between investigators and prosecutors.
Investigators said the operation followed intelligence on suspected illegally harvested Rosewood (Guibourtia coleosperma) from Manyinga District and upon inspection of the premises, they found a substantial quantity of timber and equipment believed to have been used in the commission of the alleged offences.
“Upon inspection of the premises, investigators discovered a substantial quantity of suspected illegally possessed timber together with vehicles and timber-processing equipment believed to have been used in the commission of the alleged offences,” the Department stated.
Items seized during the raid included 218 Rosewood (Guibourtia coleosperma) Logs, comprising both marked and unmarked logs. Officers also recovered 149 pieces of sawn timber from the yard.
“During the operation, officers seized 218 Rosewood ‘Guibourtia coleosperma’ logs, comprising both marked and unmarked logs; 149 pieces of sawn timber; Five trucks, two of which were operational while three were non-runners; Two Wood-Mizer industrial milling machines; and One forklift,” according to the Department.
All the seized property have been placed in State custody pending the conclusion of investigations and subsequent court proceedings. Authorities said the equipment and vehicles will be kept as exhibits.
The operation resulted in the apprehension of Ngu Yen, a Vietnamese national and Director of Zam-Viet, and Alick Mwanga, 37, of Chalala, Lusaka, who claimed ownership of some of the timber recovered from the yard.
“Mr. Mwanga was unable to produce documentation establishing the lawful possession or origin of the timber he claimed,” the Department said.
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Both suspects remain in lawful police custody at Manyinga Police Station and Investigators are reportedly making arrangements to secure the services of a competent interpreter for the Vietnamese national before the next procedural steps.
“Investigators are currently making arrangements to secure the services of a competent interpreter for the Vietnamese national before the next procedural steps are undertaken. This is to ensure that all legal processes are conducted in accordance with the requirements of the law and the suspects’ right to a fair process,” reads the statement.
Subject to the conclusion of investigations, the suspects are expected to be charged with offences 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 also intends to institute proceedings under the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010 seeking the forfeiture of the seized trucks, timber-processing equipment, timber and any other property liable to forfeiture under the Act.
“The unlawful harvesting and trafficking of Rosewood continue to pose a serious threat to biodiversity, sustainable forest management and national economic interests,” the Department of Forestry stated.
The Department has urged all individuals and businesses engaged in the timber trade to ensure full compliance with the law by maintaining the requisite licences and documentation for the harvesting, transportation, possession and trade of forest produce.
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