Police nab Prado ferrying sandalwood worth Ksh.2.5M

Police in Samburu County on Tuesday impounded a vehicle that was caught ferrying sandalwood worth Ksh.2.5 million.

Samburu County Commissioner John Korir said the sandalwood was being transported in a Toyota Prado from Samburu East through Maralal town to Laikipia County.

According to the county commissioner, unscrupulous traders have been coming to the county to persuade residents cut down sandalwood trees.

“This tree of sandalwood is a type of tree that is rarely found in many places so if they can preserve their forest it will be a big heritage in the coming days maybe tourists can visit us and provide money which will benefit us,” he said.

Sandalwood is exploited for its essential oils used in perfumery, with essential oils being extracted from the heartwood of the trunk, main branches and roots.

The county commissioner urged locals to protect the forests in the region from destruction of rare species of trees such as sandalwood in order to preserve their heritage.