A raid on an orange plantation netted more than five cubic metres of illegally logged rosewood and other luxury-grade timber in Pursat’s Kravanh district on Friday, local officials said.

More than 25 police officers, forestry administration officials and environment ministry officers conducted the operation, which found 54 logs of luxury timber hidden inside the plantation in Samrong commune, acting district police chief Vorng Vet said yesterday.

“After we received clear information, we raided the plantation and found more than five cubic metres of timber,” he said, adding the wood is being stored at the district forestry administration while authorities search for the culprits.

“It was found at [the plantation] owned by Mr Pan Try, but he claims it is not his. [We believe it] belongs to him, but he did not confess,” Vet said.

Phnom Penh is believed to have been the final destination for the lucrative timber, which is used to make furniture.

In the past month alone, Kravanh district police have raided three illegal timber operations. Last Tuesday, five cubic metres were seized from the home of a deputy military police commander, who has yet to be arrested.