Largest haul of elephant pearls seized in Mahiyanganaya

The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) has reported the arrest of an individual in the Mahiyanganaya Indigenous Village yesterday (October 17) who was preparing to sell the largest single haul of 'Gajamuthu' (elephant pearls) ever seized in Sri Lanka, valued at Rs. 300 million.

The suspect was apprehended during a joint operation conducted by officials from the Wilpattu, Ritigala, and Mahiyanganaya Wildlife Offices.

This massive raid was the culmination of several months of intensive intelligence gathering and an operation during which wildlife officials reportedly posed as large-scale businessmen to execute the sting.

The seized haul is confirmed to be the largest stock of elephant pearls ever captured in one location in Sri Lanka.

The items seized included 30 Gajamuthu, parts of a leopard skin, pieces of an elephant tusk, leopard oil, sections of Karuwala (Diospyros ebenum) wood, a locally manufactured firearm, traps used for catching animals, and parts of the Damba (Syzygium cumini) plant, which is strictly protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.

The main suspect, who was allegedly orchestrating the illicit trade, was arrested in the Maṅgiyaṅgaṇaya Indigenous Village, located near the Maduru Oya National Park.

Investigations have confirmed that the suspect had been involved in the long-term illegal trade of creating and selling various items using elephant tusks.

The arrested suspect is currently in the custody of the Department of Wildlife and will be produced before the courts following further investigations.