A suspect has been arrested after wildlife officers found several pieces of elephant tusk in his possession during a raid in the Diyabeduma area bordering the Maduru Oya National Park.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation said officers attached to the Henanigala Wildlife Office conducted the raid on August 19 following a tip-off.
Several pieces of elephant tusk were recovered from the suspect’s possession during the operation.
The suspect and the seized items are due to be produced before the Dehiattakandiya Magistrate’s Court on August 20.
Wildlife officials have launched further investigations to determine where the tusk pieces were obtained and the purpose for which the suspect had kept them.
The department said elephants are strictly protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance and that possessing, displaying, transporting or selling parts of protected wild animals without authorization is prohibited.
The raid was carried out by officers of the Henanigala Wildlife Office. (Newswire)