WA man faces $1.5m sandalwood charge Police have charged a man after $1.5m worth of sandalwood was illegally harvested and distributed in WA. A 52-YEAR-old man has been charged with receiving illegally harvested West Australian sandalwood valued at about $1.5 million. Police executed search warrants last month on properties in Perth's southern suburbs including Baldivis, Myaree and Bibra Lake. They allegedly found about 200 tonnes of sandalwood with an estimated commercial value of $1.5 million. Machinery allegedly used in the processing of sandalwood was also seized. Police claim the man is a main player in an organised criminal syndicate and say inquiries are continuing. Sandalwood is a protected flora in WA, and its harvesting, transportation and purchase is regulated by the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) and the Forrest Products Commission. The black market for sandalwood is believed to be worth millions of dollars. Most illegally harvested sandalwood is exported to Asia, where it is used for medicinal and aromatic purposes. The man was charged with five counts of receiving and is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on December 11.