Georgia’s State Sub-Agency Department of Environmental Supervision said its inspectors had identified cases of illegal felling and transportation of conifer trees in Adjara and Shida Kartli regions of the country ahead of the festive period.

The illegally cut trees and branches, found in the village of Erge, Khelvachauri municipality, and in the town of Agara, Kareli municipality, had been sealed.

“Control over illegal tree felling and sale ahead of the holiday season had been tightened. Fines of up to GEL 2,000 for the first offence and GEL 5,000 for repeat acts. Offenders would be responsible for damages caused and face criminal charges if damage exceeded GEL 1,000”, - reads the statement of the agency.