Eastern Region Police has arrested five people for allegedly being found trafficking forest produce without permit.

Assistant Public Relations Officer for Eastern Region Police Tionge Kayenda said that the suspects were on transit to Zomba district using a lorry which also carried about 54 bags of charcoal without permit.

According to Kayenda the five suspects are Sharif Khalillulah, 27, Jonathan Twaibu, 40, Patuma Denis, 39, Bernard James, 18 and Alick Matiki, 22, were arrested by officers from Eastern Region Police Headquarters at Jokala area along Liwonde – Zomba road.

“On the night of February 21-22, 2021, Police received a tip-off that some people were trafficking charcoal to Zomba and they immediately started following up the tip,” she said.

Upon arrival at Jokala, they came across a lorry, Toyota Dyna registration number LA 6368 which was driven by Sharif Khalillulah.

The vehicle was immediately impounded and the suspects were arrested for being found in possession of Forest produce and trafficking Forest produce without permit.

“The suspects are expected to appear before court soon to answer the charges,” Kayenda said.

Meanwhile the ministry of forestry and natural resources has appealed to the public to refrain from transporting forest produce without a valid permit from the director of forestry.