Gibson Guitars investigated by police

Gibson Guitars is being investigated by police in the US for allegedly using illegal wood to make its instruments.

According to Gigwise, federal agents raided Gibson's headquarters in Nashville, TN on suspicion that the company has used Madagascan rosewood smuggled in via Germany.

The search took place under the Lacey Act, which seeks to hinder trafficking of illegal wildlife, plants and fish.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service later confirmed that it had seized a variety of items including wood, computers, files and guitars.

A statement from Gibson Guitars reads: "[We are] fully co-operating with agents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as it pertains to an issue with harvested wood."