Police have arrested three individuals who were allegedly preparing to sell four pieces of suspected gajamuthu valued at approximately Rs. 20 million in the Karandagahamada area of Arawa.
According to Police, the suspects are residents of Bibila, Matale, and Bakamuna, aged 49, 31, and 29 respectively.
The arrests were made on June 22 during a special operation conducted by officers attached to the Hali Ela Udawara Camp of the Police Special Task Force (STF), based on intelligence information received regarding the planned illegal transaction.
Police stated that a special undercover operation was carried out to apprehend the suspects while they were attempting to sell the items. During the raid, officers recovered four objects believed to be gajamuthu and took them into custody as evidence.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Arawa Police Station for further investigations and legal proceedings.
Police said the suspects are expected to be produced before the Mahiyanganaya Magistrate’s Court.
Further investigations are being conducted to determine the origin of the recovered items and whether additional individuals are connected to the alleged illegal trade.
Authorities continue to warn the public that the sale and possession of wildlife-related items without proper authorization may constitute offences under relevant laws and regulations.
