Two elephant pearls, valued at Rs. 42.5 million, were seized by wildlife officers during a raid at a hotel in the Biyagama area.
The operation was carried out following information provided by the Horagolla National Park warden, with officers from the park and the Western Assistant Director’s Office leading the raid.
Officials said the pearls, which had been prepared for sale, were recovered along with three suspects.
The suspects are residents of Hingurakgoda, Dodanduwa, and Hikkaduwa. They, together with the seized items, are scheduled to be produced before the Mahara Magistrate’s Court on September 23.
Under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, it is prohibited to possess, display, transport, or sell parts of protected mammals such as elephants.
Investigations are underway to determine how the suspects came into possession of the pearls. (Newswire)