Four Charged for Illegal Logging in Maya Forest Corridor

The Forest Department has detained and charged four people after an illegal logging operation was discovered in the southwest area of the Maya Forest Corridor.

On November 2, 2025, rangers from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) found an active logging site about seven miles along the Coastal Road on national lands. At the location, they found four individuals from Cotton Tree Village: Noemi Perez, 44; Wedlyn Maas, 21; Melvin Jesus Maas, 23; and Everardo Maas, 48.

According to officials, the group had 112 pieces of mahogany (about 850 board feet) and 85 pieces of Salmwood (about 928.8 board feet). The lumber was cut in different sizes, and none of the individuals had a permit to harvest or transport it. A blue Toyota 4Runner and a black Toyota pickup, both loaded with lumber, were also seized.

WCS immed-iately contacted the Forest Department and the Police Department. Officers arrived, detained the individuals, and confiscated the wood and vehicles. The next day, November 3, an interagency team from the Forest Department, the Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, and WCS returned to the area. They found 30 more pieces of mahogany hidden in the surrounding forest.

All four individuals have been charged under Section 19 of the Forest Act for unlawful possession of forest produce. The two vehicles remain impounded as the case moves to court.

The Forest Department thanked its partners and the Belize Police Department, especially officers from the Mahogany Heights and Hattieville stations, for their quick and coordinated response.

The public is reminded that illegal logging harms Belize’s natural resources and the communities that depend on healthy forests. Anyone who sees suspicious activity is encouraged to report it to the Forest Department Hotline at 610-1524.