Four illegal loggers who are reported to have been operating in the forest reserves in the Asunafo District have been arrested by a combine team of policemen and forestry officials at Bitre near Goaso in the Brong Ahafo Region.

In addition, two timber trucks belonging to a Kumasi-based timber firm, Habitat, which were used to cart the logs have been impounded.

Mr Anthony Saaniano, Goaso District Manager of the Forestry Commission who briefed the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the incident said the leader of the syndicate identified as Kofi Anane, is on the run and the police have mounted a search for him.

He said the culprits were arrested upon a tip-off when they were ready to cart their booty away.

He mentioned the names of those arrested as Iddrisu Salifu, Stephen Bediako, Kwaku Agyeman and Adama Kussasi.

Mr Saaniano said everything possible was being done to curb illegal logging to save forest reserves in the area from total extinction, adding that the culprits would be prosecuted.