NEGARA ~ A legislative candidate was caught red-handed carrying 50 pieces of illegally cut timber in his truck on Monday, police said.

Head of Jembrana Police’s Criminal Department Wayan Sinaryasa said Muh Iliyas, 46, a candidate for the Partai Keadilan Sejahtera (PKS) was reported to have been involved in illegal logging business for some time.

Sinaryasa said the wood had been cut in Sombang and Sarikuning Tukadaya, Melaya, and according to reports was likely destined to be sold locally by partners in Iliyas’ illegal dealings.

Head of Jembrana’s election committee (KPUD Jembrana) Putu Wahyu Dhiantara said the committee had been informed of the arrest, but could not remove him from the list of candidates until he had been proven guilty in court.

Dhiantara said KPUD had not met with party officials yet, but would be discussing the issue with officials at KPUD’s central office in Jakarta.