Seven arrested for illegal gem mining

Seven individuals mining for gems illegally without a permit in the Haluwella area of the Norwood police division were arrested on Sunday (03) along with their equipment. Norwood Police state that the raid followed information received by a team of officers regarding the suspects who were mining surreptitiously.

Various equipment used for the mining activity was taken into police custody. The suspects, aged between 24 and 43, were identified as residents of Norwood and Ratnapura.

The arrested individuals and the seized equipment are to be produced before the court. Further investigations into the incident continue under the direction of the Norwood Police OIC.