Baldivis, Myaree, bibra lake properties searched
Camera IconBaldivis, Myaree, bibra lake properties searched Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Man charged after sandalwood discovery

Staff ReporterWeekend Kwinana Courier

On Friday, November 22, officers executed search warrants on properties in Baldivis, Myaree and Bibra Lake, where they discovered about 200 tonnes of sandalwood believed to be worth $1.5 million.

Officers also seized various machinery allegedly used in the processing of sandalwood.

The black market for sandalwood is thought to be worth millions of dollars.

Most illegally harvested sandalwood is exported out of Australia to Asia, where it is used in medicine and perfume.

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Sandalwood is a protected flora in WA and its harvesting, transportation and purchase is regulated by the Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Forrest Products Commission.

DPaW nature protection branch acting manager Kevin Morrison said the seizure represented a major step towards protecting the sandalwood resource.

A 52-year-old man was charged with five counts of receiving and will appear in Perth Magistrates Court on December 11.