Three arrested with venison and antelope meat in Embilipitiya raid

Colombo, May 19 (Daily Mirror) - Three persons were arrested during a surprise raid conducted at a private restaurant in the Padalangala area of Embilipitiya for allegedly displaying, possessing and selling the meat of protected wild animals.

The raid was carried out on May 16 by wildlife officers attached to the Udawalawe National Park Headquarters together with officers from the Panahaduwa Site Security Office, following a tip-off.

During the operation, officers seized a freezer containing 4.9 kilograms of antelope meat, 600 grams of dried antelope meat and 2.12 kilograms of venison.

The suspects and the seized items were produced before the Embilipitiya Magistrate’s Court yesterday (17). The Magistrate ordered the suspects to be released on personal bail of Rs. 20,000 each. The case will be recalled on May 22.

According to the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, killing a deer, which is classified as a strictly protected mammal, is a punishable offence. Possessing, transporting, displaying or selling venison is also prohibited under the law.

The raid was conducted by Wildlife Conservation Officer I.T. Rajitha, Wildlife Warden J.M. Ajith Nanda Kumara, officers Amila Prasad Rajapaksa, W. Sameera Lakmal, Field Assistant K.D.H. Sanath and officers attached to the Panahaduwa Wildlife Conservation Office.