Sri Lankan wildlife officers have arrested a suspect after seizing a pendant containing a leopard tooth and several items allegedly made from elephant ivory that were reportedly being offered for sale online.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation said officers from its Panahaduwa office launched a lengthy investigation after detecting information online about a leopard tooth being offered for sale.
Following the investigation, wildlife officers identified a house in the Karatiyawala area of Matara and conducted a raid on September 14.
During the operation, officers recovered a pendant containing a leopard tooth, an ivory ring and an amulet allegedly made from elephant ivory.
The items are considered protected animal parts under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, the department said.
The suspect and the seized items were produced before the Matara Additional Magistrate’s Court, where the suspect was remanded until September 21. The case is scheduled to be taken up again on that date.
The Wildlife Department said possessing, displaying, transporting or trading protected animal parts is prohibited under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.
The department urged the public to report information regarding illegal wildlife trafficking through its 1992 emergency hotline. (Newswire)