Suspects arrested during illegal treasure hunt

A man and a woman digging illegally to find antiquities were arrested alongside their excavation equipment in the Galmaduwa area of the Ampara police division by a team of officers from the Ampara Division Crimes Investigation Bureau.

Officers from the Antiquities Protection Unit conducted a raid yesterday (23) following a specific confidential tip-off, which led to the arrest of the couple, police say.

The arrested individuals are a 64-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman residing in the Galmaduwa and Hingurana areas.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects secretly conducted these excavations with the intention of obtaining antiquities.

The Ampara police station took custody of the arrested suspects and excavation equipment for further legal action.