Two men were arrested in Pannipitiya for the illegal possession of leopard teeth and claws, the Department of Wildlife Conservation said.
Acting on a tip-off, officers from the department’s special raid unit carried out the operation on Monday (25). The suspects were produced before the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court, where one was released on bail of Rs. 500,000. The case is due to be taken up again on August 27.
Possessing, selling, or displaying body parts of the Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) — a protected and endangered species — is strictly prohibited under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.
A team from the special raid unit of the Department of Wildlife Conservation conducted the raid with the assistance of other officers. (Islandnews)
