Police on the spot for aiding trade in rare tree despite ban

Eight tonnes of sandalwood were destroyed in Samburu County following a court order in a case where two suspects have been found guilty of trafficking the endangered species of the forest product valued at Sh32 million. [File, Standard]

Sandalwood harvesting was banned in Kenya in 2007 through a presidential directive to allow for regeneration.

The ban was put in place because of the exploitation of the East African species (Osyris lanceolata) which contains essential oils used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.