Authorities in Bao Lam District, Lam Dong Province, reported on Friday that relevant agencies are collaborating to investigate the poisoning of 174 pine trees, aged several decades, in a local forest. The trees, deliberately poisoned with chemicals, are gradually withering away.

According to the Bao Lam District Forest Protection Department, the affected pine forest in Loc Ngai Commune was drilled and injected with toxic substances. This area falls under the management and protection of Ha Phong Joint Stock Company and borders local coffee plantations. "We have worked with relevant authorities to examine the scene," stated the district's Forest Protection Department representative.

The trees are drilled and injected with toxic substances.

Initial assessments indicate that 174 pine trees, spanning an area of approximately two hectares, have been poisoned, leading to an estimated timber loss of 291 cubic metres. The forest protection agency suspects the perpetrators aimed to clear land for coffee cultivation. Some poisoned pine forest areas have already been intercropped at the site with coffee plants.

The Forest Protection Department confirmed that the poisoning was discovered on February 14. The perpetrators took advantage of the Tet Lunar New Year holiday to drill holes and inject chemicals into the trees. Upon detection, authorities attempted detoxification measures to save the trees, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Upon receiving the report, Bao Lam District authorities instructed relevant agencies to investigate and swiftly identify those responsible. Additionally, the district has mandated the Loc Ngai Commune People's Committee and Ha Phong Joint Stock Company to submit reports clarifying accountability for the incident.

The poisoned pine forest includes sections where local farmers have intercropped coffee plants. Investigations revealed that over the past two years, this forest area, managed by Ha Phong Joint Stock Company, has suffered three incidents of trees being drilled and poisoned. Authorities have determined that the primary motive behind these acts is illegal forest land encroachment for agricultural production.