Efforts at destroying of illegal smuggling routes in Bago Yoma Ranges and Rakhine Yoma have taken more than expected. and it is hoped that these illegal routes will be destroyed during March according to Pyae District Forest Department.

The operations to put a stop to illegal smuggling routes began in February and 8 routes in Pauk Khaung, 4 in Pandaung Township. Soon to be destroed routes are 3 in North Nawin reserved forest in Pauk Khaung, 1 in Oattwin, 4 in Pandaung Township. 

"Concerning the arrest of timber smuggling, cooperation between military and the Department of Forestry is being made. The project will last from February to May. The eradication of smuggling routes will be completed by the second week of March," said Myint Thein Oo, Pyay District Forestry Department.

Some seized woods still remain in Yoma mountain ranges and these routes are  the only way to transport them , thus delaying the efforts by the authorities.

On January 22, at the 11th regular parliamentary meeting held at Nay Pyi Taw, Taung Twin Gyi MP Min Thein asked a question on paving of earthen roads in both sides of tar paved road crossing Bago Yoma range as those weren’t roads connecting villages. He asked if any measures exists to destroy these roads. 

He added that through smugglers use these roads to transport their illegal timber, questioning the Forestry Department’s knowledge of said roads.