A suspect allegedly involved in supplying illegal wild meat to hotels and restaurants has been arrested in Aranayake following a raid conducted by wildlife officers.

Officers from the Bulathkohupitiya Wildlife Office arrested the suspect during a patrol in the Bulugammana area of Aranayake.

Wildlife officials seized five illegal firearms, including a 12-bore shotgun and four trap guns, along with more than 100 animal snares, 1.5 kilograms of porcupine meat, gunpowder, lead pellets and explosive materials.

The seized items also included firecrackers, fireworks, matchboxes and copper wires used to set animal traps.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had allegedly been involved in the illegal wild meat trade for an extended period, supplying meat to hotels and restaurants.

The suspect and seized items are expected to be produced before the Aranayake Circuit Court.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation said operations targeting illegal hunting and the sale of wild meat would continue. (Newswire)