Two poachers arrested with 74 kg of sambar deer meat in Wanathawilluwa
– Two poachers were arrested yesterday by officers of the Wanathawilluwa Wildlife Office during a routine patrol in the Wanathawilluwa area for the illegal possession of Sambar deer meat, wildlife officials said.The suspects were taken into custody along with 74 kilograms and 500 grams of Sambar deer meat. The Sambar deer is a mammal strictly protected under the Wildlife and Flora Protection Ordinance. Investigations are underway to determine whether the suspects are linked to an organised meat-smuggling operation. Wildlife officers said regular raids are being carried out to curb illegal hunting activities.
The two suspects, along with the seized meat, were produced before the Puttalam Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The suspects pleaded guilty, after which the Magistrate released them on personal bail of Rs. 200,000 each. The case has been fixed for further hearing on February 22.
The raid was conducted by Wildlife Warden T.M.C.D. Thilakaratne, H.V.A. Maduranga Withana, and other wildlife officers. Wildlife Site Assistant Lasantha Kumara of the Karuwalagaswewa Site Protection Office assisted with the court proceedings.