Wildlife officers have arrested a 44‑year‑old man in Aluthgama, Kaluwamodara, for illegally keeping a baby crocodile in his possession.

The suspect, arrested based on information received by the Hikkaduwa National Park headquarters, was produced before the Kalutara Magistrate today, where he was ordered to pay a fine of Rs. 70,000.

The Magistrate also directed the Attidiya wildlife veterinarian to release the baby crocodile into a suitable environment and submit a report.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation stated that crocodiles are strictly protected reptiles under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. 

The department said in a statement that for some time, individuals have been observed keeping baby crocodiles to display to foreign tourists and earn money.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation added that Wildlife officers continue to carry out raids to apprehend such offenders. (Newswire)

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A foreign woman who went for a swim at the Moragalla beach in Aluthgama is reported dead after having drowned today (11 Aug).

According to the Police, the deceased is a 48-year-old Vietnamese national.

It is reported that she had been enjoying leisure time at the Moragalla beach with a group of others when she was caught in a current and dragged away.

The Police said that her body had washed ashore at Bentota Beach. (Newswire)

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A two-story building, consisting of a house and a store in the Aluthgama area, has been damaged after a fire broke out early this morning.

According to the Police, only an employee had been inside the store, which sells jewellery and wooden ornaments. 

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, while no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident. 

The Police, together with the Government Analyst and Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) officials, are conducting further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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A foreign tourist has died after drowning in the seas off Moragalla in the Aluthgama area yesterday. 

The Police said the incident had taken place last afternoon and the man had died after being admitted to the Nagoda Hospital in a serious condition. 

The foreigner has been identified as a 73-year-old man from Romania. 

The Aluthgama Police is conducting investigations into the incident. (NewsWire)

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A group of 39 Chinese Nationals have been arrested in Aluthgama for engaging in an online financial scam.

According to Daily News, the group that had defrauded money from people around the world were arrested by the local Police accompanied by Chinese officials. 

It is reported that three criminals wanted by China on whom Interpol red notices have been issued are among the arrested suspects.

The Police stated that 33 men, five women and a child are among the group arrested on Saturday (01). 

Investigations have revealed that the suspects had been living in Sri Lanka over the last six months and that some have been made to stay against their will and forced to engage in online financial fraud. 

The Police stated that three suspects were found to be without their passports which had been taken by the chief smuggler involved in the racket.

The Police seized computers, smartphones and money from the suspects during their arrest. (NewsWire)

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