The case of destroying po mu forests in Quang Nam shows signs of cover-up and tolerance.

In a report to the Prime Minister, the head of the Quang Nam Provincial People's Committee stated that the case of po mu forest destruction in the border area was particularly serious, with signs of cover-up and connivance by authorities.

On July 22, Mr. Dinh Van Thu, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Nam province, issued a document directing agencies to handle the deforestation case that occurred at the border of Nam Giang district. This document was also sent to the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Border Guard Command, and Military Region 5.

“The destruction of the po mu forest in La Dee commune is a particularly serious violation of the law, located in a strictly managed area of ​​the border area. The details of the incident show signs of cover-up and connivance by individuals and organizations assigned by the State, causing suspicion and loss of trust among the people and creating negative public opinion, so it is necessary to investigate and seriously handle the violations; clarify and handle the responsibilities of the heads of relevant units and localities,” the document stated.

Quang Nam Province assigned Vice Chairman Le Tri Thanh to directly lead the case. Photo: Tien Hung.

The head of the Quang Nam Provincial People's Committee assigned the provincial police director to set up a special project, mobilize forces to urgently investigate, consolidate evidence to handle the case, and not let criminals escape. "The provincial police work with the Sekong Provincial Security Department (Laos) and functional units to organize and coordinate the implementation of synchronous measures to quickly conclude and prosecute responsibility," Mr. Dinh Van Thu directed.

The provincial police proactively recommended that competent organizations and individuals apply preventive and management measures to best serve the investigation. This is also the focal point for speaking out about the incident.

The Provincial Chairman assigned the Department of Foreign Affairs to advise and contact the authorities and functional agencies of Sekong province (Laos) to create favorable conditions and timely coordination.

At least 60 po mu trees in the area managed by border guards were cut down. Photo: Tien Hung.

The working location of the task force is located at the Nam Giang Border Gate Economic Zone Joint Control Station. The Provincial Industrial Park Management Board is responsible for arranging an office and coordinating to create favorable conditions for the task force during the implementation of its tasks. The Quang Nam Provincial People's Committee also assigned the Provincial Border Guard Command to direct the border posts and be responsible for coordinating so that the police can perform their tasks well.

“The Border Guard Command, the Customs Department, the Department of Agriculture and the People's Committee of Nam Giang district direct relevant groups and individuals to report and explain their management responsibilities; perform their duties and tasks, temporarily suspend individuals with signs of violations pending investigation results; and strengthen the organizational apparatus to manage the area well,” the Chairman of Quang Nam directed.

The po mu wood seized by the police at the customs office. Customs said that most of this wood was "leftover, rotten wood", some was given by the Lao police and customs to renovate the office, some was given by exporting businesses to customs officers or was thrown away because it was damaged. Photo: HT

Previously, on July 9, people discovered nearly 280 pieces of po mu wood gathered about 500 meters from the Dac Oc Border Control Station. Investigators determined that at least 60 po mu trees in the border area managed by the border guards had just been cut down.

After initiating the case, the police continuously discovered many wood storage areas hidden near the border station. In addition, the police also seized 115 wooden planks right in the premises of the Nam Giang Border Gate Customs Branch. Mr. Le Trung Thinh, the head of the branch, was then temporarily suspended from work to serve the investigation.

On July 21, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc directed the Ministry of Public Security to preside over and coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense and the People's Committee of Quang Nam province to urgently investigate the case and strictly handle violators.

The Border Guard Command has suspended three officers from La Dee Border Post to serve the investigation, and sent a criminal investigation team to Quang Nam to coordinate the investigation.

According to VNE