Lundazi district has recorded 24 arrests of foreign nationals involved in illegal trade of Mkula trees in the fourth quarter of 2014 and first quarter of 2015.
This came to light during the DDCC, District Development Coordinating Committee meeting held in Lundazi on Tuesday.
Presenting a report, David Mwale from the Environment and Natural Resource Sub-committee disclosed that 23 of those 24 arrested were Malawian nationals.
Mr. Mwale further revealed that 23 pleaded guilty and were fined 3,000 Kwacha each.
He also disclosed that during the same period under review, 293 logs of mukula logs were impounded while 6 trucks which were used during the illegal trade were also impounded.
Mr. Mwale, who is acting director of works at Lundazi District Council, stated that 3 trucks used in the illegal trade were given back to the owners.
He said that 3 other trucks are still parked at the police station awaiting owners to claim them before they are forfeited to the state.