More than 9,000 surfboards seized in Mocimboa da Praia

According to authorities, a joint operation with the Natural Resources Protection Police resulted in the seizure of 547.02 cubic meters of native wood in seven residential yards in the beach area.

The National Agency for Environmental Quality Control, Public Institute (AQUA, IP), in coordination with the Police for the Protection of Natural Resources and the Environment (PPRNMA), seized, on September 27, 2026, in the Zalala neighborhood, in the town of Mocímboa da Praia, Cabo Delgado province, a total of 9,117 planks of native wood, corresponding to 547.02 cubic meters.

The operation, which resulted from intelligence actions by the environmental enforcement agency, is part of the fight against the illegal felling, transport and sale of forest resources, with a view to protecting the country's natural heritage.

According to authorities, the timber — consisting of native species classified as precious — was stored in seven residential backyards located in the beach area. It is suspected that the timber was awaiting loading onto barges destined for the neighboring United Republic of Tanzania.

However, the seized product is currently in the custody of the Government of the District of Mocímboa da Praia, while legal procedures are underway to formalize the case with the Public Prosecutor's Office at the district level.

According to paragraph 1 of article 77 of Law no. 17/2023, of December 29, the owners of the residences where the wood was stored may incur a prison sentence of one to five years and a corresponding fine, if their responsibility is proven under the law.

AQUA is therefore continuing its efforts to identify the owners of the seized timber, reiterating its commitment to monitoring natural resources, conserving the environment and protecting Mozambique's forest heritage.

In this context, AQUA urges the public to report illegal practices and suspicious movements related to the trafficking of forest resources to the competent authorities, in order to allow for timely intervention.