NEGARA ~ The number of people arrested for illegal logging continues to rise, with the arrest of a 43-year-old Negara resident, police said.

Chief of Jembrana Police’s Criminal Division Wayan Sinaryasa said Ketut Serada from Pengajaran Kaja, Brangbang, Negara, was arrested on Sunday after failing to show legal documents for timber he was holding.

“The arrest was initiated by information police received from local residents,” he said.

Sinaryasa said the suspect was being held at Jembrana Police station, along with 30 pieces of timber as evidence, and would be charged under forestry conservation laws.