121 noose traps and 20 trap guns seized from Chena in Thirappane

The suspects had been carrying on the contraband trade of game meat under the pretext of Chena cultivation 

By B.G.Chaturanga   

Wildlife officers from Thirappane yesterday seized 20 trap guns and 121 noose traps during a raid on an unauthorized five acre maize cultivation on the banks of Pallankulama tank in Kahapathwila in Thirappane.   

They said it was amazing that such a large number of trap guns and noose traps had been laid in a five acre area.   

During investigations two suspects, one 36 years of age and the other 50 years, were arrested and they are suspected of carrying on the contraband trade of game meat since long under the pretext of Chena cultivation.   

 Officials said that several wild animals in the area including wild elephants had received gunshot injuries and died recently. They said they removed the trap guns regardless of its danger.   

The suspects were to be produced before Anuradhapura magistrate yesterday.   

A team of wildlife officers under Wildlife Range Assistant in Thirappane Buddhika Atukorala had carried out the raid on the instructions of Asst. Director Anuradhapura Wildlife Zone W.M.K.S.Chandraratne.