Two arrested with a coral and a tiger tooth

Wildlife officials have arrested two suspects during a joint raid centered in Kiribathgoda and Ragama areas. The suspects were in possession of several protected animal parts, including a 32 kg coral reef and a tiger tooth. This series of successful raids was launched on July 3rd, following intelligence received by the Sri Lanka Air Force and subsequently provided to the Ritigala Information and Research Centre.

Among the protected animal parts taken into custody by wildlife officials during these raids, in addition to the 32 kg coral reef, also included were rare species of conches such as a Sri Lankan Horned Helmet conch (Catadontus marianus), a Spider conch, a tiger tooth, and a body part of another marine creature. The two young men arrested are aged 20 and 26.

The two arrested suspects have been released on wildlife bail of Rs. 100,000 each and are scheduled to be produced before the Mahara and Welisara Magistrate's Courts on a future date. The Department of Wildlife Conservation further states that according to the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, collecting, possessing, transporting, or trading coral reefs and other protected wildlife parts is strictly prohibited, and severe legal penalties can be imposed on individuals found guilty of such offenses.