The Ondo State Government has clamped down on Indian hemp planters and arrested six people in the Akure forest reserve, also known as Queens plot.

Mr Leye Akinola, State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, while addressing newsmen on Tuesday in Akure, said the destruction of forests for cannabis plantations would not be tolerated.

Akinola, who frowned at the influx of suspected planters from other states, described it as detrimental to the environment and society.

“The state government has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against cannabis cultivation and forest destruction with the arrest of six suspected planters.

“Meanwhile, the forest where the suspects were arrested was a protected area prohibited from logging, farming, and other activities,” he said.

Also, Mr Segun Odusanya, Permanent Secretary, Forestry/Produce sub-sector in the ministry, reaffirmed the commitment to preserving and protecting the forestry sector from encroachers.

Odusanya assured that the suspects would face investigation and prosecution in accordance with forestry laws.

The permanent secretary, therefore, commended the collaboration with the Nigeria Forest Security Services for acting promptly on intelligence received to apprehend the culprits