By Abdullahi Lukman
Sri Lankan wildlife authorities have arrested two suspects after recovering protected animal parts, including a 32-kilogram coral colony and a tiger tooth, during coordinated raids in Kiribathgoda and Ragama.
The operations were carried out on July 3 following intelligence provided by the Ritigala Information and Research Centre and the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Officials said the items recovered included a 32kg coral colony, a Sri Lankan horned helmet shell (Catadontus marianus), a spider conch (Lambis lambis), a tiger tooth and part of a marine animal.
The suspects, aged 20 and 26, were granted wildlife bail of Rs.100,000 each and are expected to appear before the Mahara and Welisara Magistrates’ Courts on a later date.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation warned that the collection, possession, transportation and trade of coral and other protected wildlife species are prohibited under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance and attract severe penalties under the law.
