Authorities Search For Organized Loggers

OFFICIALS from the Environmentand Energy Ministry (MINAE) workingin the Northern Zone have been confoundedby a band of tree-thieves conductingrogue logging in protected areas.MINAE’s regional director in thearea, Fausto Alfaro, said the group –which uses 4×4 vehicles, motorcycles,radios and cell phones to elude authorities– is better equipped than officialsattempting to stop the loggers, the dailyLa Nación reported.Alfaro said band members watch overpark guards and police, informing otherswhen the coast is clear.On six separate sites discovered Oct.21-23, police found more than 87,000square inches of wood and 25 largeblocks, valued in the thousands of dollars,La Nación reported.