The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Forestry in Solomon Islands says the public prosecutors office is investigating allegations that tubi, a rare wood, has been illegally milled and exported.
Jeffrey Wickham says the Ministry was made aware that permits were being issued for tubi, to allow some logging companies to cut and export the timber, which is highly sought after on the international market.
He says the Ministry of Environment and Conservation has issued permits under the Wildlife Protection & Management Act, which allows for the export of protected species for research purposes only.
But Mr Wickham says given the quantities that have been intercepted by some customs officials, it couldn't be considered for research.
He says there needs to be clarification of the law.
"Now from what we understand is that these permits were issued not for research purposes but rather for commercial purposes and how this thing is going on is just mind-boggling, I really am not very certain about what is going on."
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Forestry Jeffrey Wickham.
