Two elephant pearls worth Rs 42.5 mn recovered by Wildlife officers during raid at a Biyagama hotel

Two elephant pearls, valued at Rs. 42.5 million, were taken into custody by Wildlife officers during a raid at a hotel in Biyagama, police said yesterday.

The operation was carried out following information provided by the Horagolla National Park warden, with officers from the park and the Western Assistant Director’s Office leading the raid.

Officials said the pearls, which had been made ready for sale, were recovered along with three suspects.

The suspects are residents of Hingurakgoda, Dodanduwa and Hikkaduwa. They, together with the recovered items, are scheduled to be produced before the Mahara Magistrate’s Court on Sept. 23.

Under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, it is prohibited to possess, display, transport or sell parts of protected mammals, such as elephants.

Investigations are underway to determine how the suspects came into possession of the pearls.