Butuan City”•Five Vietnamese nationals fell to the authorities for possessing Agarwood wedges, locally known as Lapnisan in two separate operations here.
Brig. Gen. Gilberto DC Cruz, Police Regional Office 13 director disclosed that the suspects identified as: Nguyên Thi Chung, 40; Diêl Thi Bích Hòa, 45; and VÅ« Vãn Trang, 34 were arrested at the Hotel around 11:30 p.m. on July 25.
The arrested personalities were intercepted at the entrance during inspection of their bags and belongings. Among those found during the search were estimated 2 kilograms of Agarwood and P1.87 million in cash.
The search was witnessed by the barangay officials and personnel from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office.
In a follow up operation around 5 a.m. on July 26, police nabbed Tu Quoc Vu, 35; and To Tien Phat, 22 at Butuan City Airport. Confiscated from their possession were around 20 kilos of Agarwood and P4 million in cash.
“The 22 kilograms of confiscated Agarwood has an estimated value of P1,082,500. We will make sure that violators will be facing charges for violation of Section 68 of Presidential Decree 705 as amended by Executive Order No. 277. Our operations remain focused in the protection and preservation our natural resources especially the endangered tree species,” RD Cruz added.
One of the main reasons for the high cost of Agarwood is the depletion of the wild resource. Its fragrant dark resinous wood is used in incense, perfume, and small carvings.