Kachin State’s forestry department has reportedly filed charges against five Chinese nationals and company manager for allegedly expanding a banana plantation into protected forests, according to a report by RFA.

According to village administrative and police officials, the six people from Jinghphaw Nadi Company have been operating the plantations near Aung Myae Thar No. 1 and No. 2 village in Waingmaw Township since 2018 and now have expanded their growing areas by more than 300 acres in the two communities.

The company manager was released on bail for health reasons, while the others are being held in the township jail, according to the report issued on Monday.

The Jinghphaw Nadi Company could not be contacted for comment, according to RFA.