The Emergency Raid Unit of the Department of Wildlife Conservation has arrested a suspect in Yakkala, Gampaha, for the possession of six illegally imported turtles.
Wildlife officers said the seized animals included two Snapping turtles, two Red-eared sliders, and two Indian black turtles, allegedly brought into the country for commercial purposes.
The suspect and the turtles were produced before the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court, which released the suspect on personal bail of Rs. 500,000. The court further directed that the turtles be handed over to the Department of National Zoological Gardens for examination and a detailed report.
Authorities said further investigations are underway to determine the source of the illegal imports and any potential network involved.
