The operation, conducted jointly by officers attached to the Udawalawe National Park Headquarters and the Panahaduwa Site Security Office on May 16, led to the arrest of three suspects.
Officials recovered 4.9 kilograms of antelope meat, 600 grams of dried antelope meat and 2.12 kilograms of venison stored in a freezer at the premises.
The suspects were produced before the Embilipitiya Magistrate’s Court yesterday (17) and were released on personal bail of Rs. 20,000 each. The case is scheduled to be taken up again on May 22.
Wildlife officials said that under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, killing deer, which are listed as strictly protected mammals, is a punishable offence. The possession, transport, display and sale of venison are also prohibited by law.
The raid was conducted by Wildlife Conservation Officer I.T. Rajitha, Wildlife Warden J.M. Ajith Nanda Kumara, officers Amila Prasad Rajapaksa and W. Sameera Lakmal, Field Assistant K.D.H. Sanath and officers attached to the Panahaduwa Wildlife Conservation Office.
