Hot on the trail near Dnipro, authorities apprehended illegal loggers (PHOTOS).

Recently, police from the water objects service unit in the Verkhndniprovsk region spotted two vehicles loaded with freshly cut timber. The drivers of both vehicles were stopped. This was reported by "Vydomo," citing the Patrol Police of Dnipropetrovsk region.

"During the interaction with the drivers, it became apparent that they lacked the necessary permits for transporting such cargo. Since the actions of the individuals displayed signs of a criminal offense under Article 246 (Illegal logging or illegal transportation, storage, or sale of timber) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the inspectors called in an investigative operational group to clarify all the circumstances of the incident," the statement reads.

It should be noted that for illegal logging of trees or shrubs in forests, protective and other forest plantations, as well as for the transportation, storage, or sale of illegally cut trees or shrubs that have caused significant damage, there are penalties in the form of hefty fines or imprisonment for up to seven years.