Two suspects arrested with ten protected star tortoises

Ten star tortoises, a protected animal species in the country, were found in the possession of two suspects arrested by officers of the Puttalam Divisional Anti-Corruption Unit.

According to Police Headquarters, the raid was carried out yesterday afternoon (16) following a specific tip-off received by the unit.

The suspects and the tortoises were subsequently handed over to the Puttalam Police Station for further investigations.

The arrested individuals are both 26-year-old residents of the Puttalam area.

Authorities are conducting further inquiries to determine if the animals were brought for sale or as part of a larger smuggling operation.

The suspects are scheduled to be produced before the court today (17).