20 trap guns and 120 cable snares recovered from a maize cultivation

2026-02-11 - 15:20

Two suspects have been arrested by wildlife officers following the recovery of a large number of trap guns and snares set up in and around a maize cultivation in the Kahapathwila area of Pallankulama, Uttimaduwa, Anuradhapura. Acting on a tip-off, wildlife officers of the Thirappane Range carried out a sudden raid and discovered 20 trap guns and 120 cable snares within a chena cultivation covering approximately six acres. Reports state that this is the largest haul of illegal firearms ever recovered from a chena cultivation. In recent times, a large number of wild animals, including elephants, have fallen victim to such trap guns. The suspects, along with the seized items, are due to be produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court. The raid was carried out by Officer-in-Charge of the Thirappane Beat Office P.A.B.S. Athukorala, Wildlife Inspectors W.D.S. Lahiru, H.A.M. Prasanna, and W.G. Gunathilaka (driver), along with wildlife officers Hasitha Sandesha and Prabath Kumara.