Sabah Chief Conservator of Forests Sam Mannan said the personnel seized gaharu or sandalwood worth “several million ringgit” during the Feb 2 operation.
“We believe this group has links to buyers in various countries,” he said late today.
Mannan said the sandalwood was seized at various houses around Keningau and was packed ready for export.
Also seized was a four-wheel-drive vehicle used to transport the gaharu to various export points but he did not give details.
He said raids and subsequent arrests came after a month of surveillance following tip-offs from the public.
“It is believed, the gaharu was obtained illegally from protected forests, including parts of the pristine Maliau Basin,” Mannan added.
Apart from the Cambodian, others held in the raid were a Malaysian and six foreigners.
“The Cambodian was in possession of a Mykad with permanent residence status which needs to be verified,” he said.
Mannan said all eight would soon be produced in court and charged under the State Forestry Enactment.
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