A special raid conducted by the Wildlife Department in Viharapalugama, Anuradhapura, led to the seizure of a large stock of wild animal meat, live tortoises and 14 tortoise eggs and the arrest of a prominent multi-millionaire custodian.
The seized stock also included sambar deer, armadillo and six black tortoises.
The arrested suspect has been identified as B. Jayawardena, a 50-year-old resident of Anuradhapura and the chief custodian of a major religious shrine in the city. He was remanded till 21 November by Anuradhapura Additional Magistrate Dasandi Hapuarachchi.
During the hearing, the magistrate directed wildlife officers to submit samples of the seized wild animal meat and a necklace allegedly made of ivory, to the Government Analyst and present the relevant reports to court.
Officers were also instructed to provide an update on the progress of ongoing investigations.
Wildlife officials from the Ritigala Wildlife Office told the court that the suspect had been involved in the illegal meat trade for some time.
Investigations are ongoing to determine how the suspect obtained the meat of various wild animals and whether he personally hunted them.
The raid was conducted following information received by the Wildlife Department regarding the secret storage of live tortoises and different types of wild animal meat at the suspect’s residence.
It was reported that several individuals who contacted the wildlife officers had attempted to pressure them to release the suspect and the confiscated items.