A 59-YEAR-OLD businessman was arrested for alleged selling of rare agarwood, locally known as lapnisan, in Jaro, Leyte.

Police identified the suspect as Pacquito Gebe, a resident of the town.

Authorities were able to purchase 1.360 kilograms of agarwood worth P15,000 from the suspect during the buy-bust operation Tuesday, August 24, 2021.

They also confiscated from the suspect’s possession and control 2.530 kilograms of suspected agarwood and a weighing scale.

The total weight of agarwood was 3.880 kilograms with an estimated market value of P50,000, according to the police.

The suspect will be facing charges for violation of section 77 of President Decree 705, or the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines, and violation of Republic Act 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. (SunStar Philippines)