Yesterday, US Fish & Wildlife Services agents issued a search warrant on Gibson Guitars’ manufacturing plant in Nashville, TN. The Nashville Post writes that they “seized wood, guitars, computers and boxes of files from Gibson Guitar’s Massman Road manufacturing facility.”

At issue is whether Gibson violated the Lacey Act, which prohibits the importation of rosewood from Madagascar because it serves as a home for lemurs; the Nashville Post suggests Gibson may be suspected of routing the wood through Germany first.

No charges have been filed so far, and according to the Tennessean Gibson says it’s got proof that the imports are legit:

In its statement, Gibson said that it is “a chain of custody certified buyer who purchases wood from legal suppliers who are to follow all standards.”

“Feds raid Gibson offices” [NashvillePost.com via Sean808080]
“Fish & Wildlife agents serve search warrant at Gibson Guitar plant” [Tennessean]
(Photo: twoshortplanks)