Over 1,250 bags of charcoal have been impounded in an ongoing crackdown on the illegal charcoal trade in Acholi Sub –Region.
The charcoal was impounded by officials from the National Forestry Authority –NFA. 490 bags are currently stored at the National Forestry Authority –NFA’s office in Laroo –Pece Division in Gulu City while 800 bags are at Lamwo Central Police Station.
According to Haruna Busobozi the Northern Region National Forestry Authority Sector Manager, the charcoal was impounded in the ongoing joint crackdown by NFA, Environmental Police Protection Unit and the local leaders of the respective districts in Acholi Sub –Region.
He added that shea -nut trees are the most targeted tree species by those involved in the illegal charcoal tradeNFA has already secured a court order to auction the 490 bags of charcoal at their offices in Gulu.
Aswa River Region Police Spokesperson Jimmy Patrick Okema, says the 800 bags of charcoal at Lamwo Central Police Station are awaiting the decision of the district authorities to either burn or auction them.
He added that nine suspected illegal charcoal dealers are also in custody at Lamwo Central Police Station waiting to appear in the court upon completion of their investigations.
