Wildlife officers from the Kandegama Beat Office have arrested several suspects and seized two locally made firearms during patrols in Maduru Oya National Park, wildlife officials said.
Officers spotted a group during routine patrols and gave chase. Four people were arrested on suspicion of poaching, allegedly in possession of porcupine meat, according to the officials.
In further searches, two more people found trespassing in the park were detained and the two firearms, known locally as kotana tuwakku, were seized. On the same day, another suspect was arrested on suspicion of illegal hunting, allegedly with a slaughtered mouse deer.
Poaching and unauthorised entry into national parks are offences under Sri Lankan wildlife law.
The suspects were produced before the Dehiattakandiya Magistrate’s Court and released on personal bail of Rs. 100,000 each. The case will be called again on 13 November.
