Large-scale poaching racket busted

• Arrested suspect had about 20 kilos of venison in his possession

By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe   

A large-scale slaughter of wild animals and transporting meat to several areas in the country was busted and one of the suspects involved in the contraband trade was arrested during a joint operation in Mahakumbukkadawala area by the STF, Wildlife Conservators and the Air Force.    

The police seized a large stock of meat, the skeletal remains of animals including deer, wild boar and porcupine, the hides of animals and the weapons used by the poachers. Investigations revealed that the poachers had been carrying on the racket over a period of time.   

The officials first arrested the suspect who had in his possession about 20 kilos of venison, under interrogation revealed all information on the racket. On his information, they searched his house and its surroundings to find skeleton remains of about 15 deer, and nine wild boar.   

The hides of five spotted deer that had been buried were among other articles recovered.   
He stated that he had been poaching in Walpaluwa forest reserve and supplied meat to hotels and restaurants in several areas including Kalpitiya, Daluwa Thoduwawa, Mahawewa, and Wennappuwa.   

Wildlife Conservators said they carried out the raid on intelligence received by the Air Force and the STF in Puttalam.   

The suspect was to be produced before Puttalam Magistrate yesterday.   

 A team of Wildlife Conservators under Karuwalagaswewa Range Wildlife Conservator D. Ramasinghe had carried out the raid with the help of the STF and the Air Force.   

• The police seized a large stock of meat, the skeletal remains of animals including deer, wild boar and porcupine