ICE Looking at Possible Lacey Act Violations Involving Okoume Wood From Africa
ICE Homeland Security Investigations is looking into possible Lacey Act violations related to imports of African wood used by Roseburg Forest Products, an agency spokesman said. “Yes, there is an ongoing investigation," the spokesman said. "These type of global trade…
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investigations are a priority for HSI.” The agency first confirmed the investigation to Oregon Public Broadcasting. Roseburg responded to the report in a March 18 statement and said it would cooperate with the investigators. The company said it first learned of the investigation through a call from HSI on March 11 about "Okoume veneer sourced from Gabon and the Republic of Congo." Roseburg said it is unaware of possible Lacey Act violations by two of its suppliers, Cornerstone Forest Products and Evergreen Hardwoods. "Roseburg will cooperate fully with the authorities’ investigation into Cornerstone and Evergreens’ supply chain practices," the company said. "While that investigation continues, Cornerstone and Evergreen have reassured Roseburg that they have ceased all shipments of Okoume veneer from Gabon and the Republic of Congo. Roseburg has ended the use of the veneer in question in the production of its products, and is no longer selling products manufactured with veneer provided by the named suppliers."