By Newswire Editorial
A former Civil Defence Force officer arrested in connection with the suspected removal of a tusk from a dead elephant in Kahatagasdigiliya, Anuradhapura, has been remanded until November 19.
According to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the suspect was produced before the Kahatagasdigiliya Magistrate’s Court today (05), along with several items seized during investigations.
Wildlife officers conducted a special search operation on Wednesday (04) in connection with the tusker found dead in the Kayangollewa area of Kahatagasdigiliya.
During the operation, officers recovered a hacksaw suspected to have been used to cut and remove the elephant’s tusk, along with plant material believed to have been taken from the location where the animal died.
The items were discovered at a hut on a cultivation land belonging to the suspect.
A subsequent search of the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of an explosive device made using two petrol bottles and elephant firecrackers, while a trap gun was also found in the garden.
Following the post-mortem examination, Wildlife officers took possession of the dead tusker’s right tusk and the remaining portion of its left tusk.
The suspect was remanded until November 19 after being produced before the Kahatagasdigiliya Magistrate’s Court.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation said further investigations into the incident are underway. (Newswire)