Maputo — Illegal logging operators in the northern Mozambican province of Nampula province have been using vehicles painted with the symbols of international organizations, particularly the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to transport logs and processed wood, reports Wednesday's issue of the Maputo daily "Noticias".

The disguise is to try and dodge the forestry and wild life inspectors, in the belief that they will not inspect vehicles that appear to belong to United Nations agencies and other humanitarian organisations.

In Nacaroa district, the police, in coordination with the forestry inspection authorities, recently seized two vehicles belonging to an operator based in Nacala port, named Luis Tipaneque, but carrying the WFP logo.

One of the vehicles was loaded with 21 logs of the precious hardwood, jambire, and the other, a three-tonne pick up truck, was carrying unspecified quantities of processed timber. Both were covered with tarpaulins to hide the contents.

The truck driver, identified as Abacar Mussa, said that his employer is licensed to operate in this business in Muecate district, which borders Nacaroa. He said that he also picked up logs and processed wood in Memba and Erati districts, where his employer supposedly has an agreement with other operators.

Mussa said he always transported the wood at night. It was this that alerted police suspicions. An officer from the Nacaroa district police command, Manuel Anibal, said the police had found it strange that these two supposedly WFP vehicles regularly drove past checkpoints after 23.00.

"We've been checking on the activities of these vehicles bearing the WFP symbol, because it is not normal for vehicles of that organisation to be on the roads so late at night", he said.

The two vehicles are now parked at the Nacaroa police station.