The Central Anti-Corruption Task Force in Panadura Walana has raided three ganja chenas that had been grown in abundance at the Yala Reserve and arrested seven suspects along with two firearms.
These seven suspects had been taken into custody subsequent to a search operation of several days in the Yala Reserve.
The two firearms found in the possession of two suspects are 12-bore type firearms manufactured in a foreign country while 05 ammunition used in those weapons were also discovered.
Apart from these suspects, the number of Cannabis trees found from other chenas where suspects were apprehended, amounted to more than Rs. one hundred thousand.
The suspects arrested were residents of Thanamalvila, Okkampitiya, Maligawila, Thorakolayaya and Siyambalanduwa. During investigations it was revealed that the suspects had secretly entered the forest reserve and cultivated the Cannabis chenas over a long period.
When questioned it was revealed that the firearms were to be used for hunting animals. The suspects, the firearms and the stock of Cannabis plants that were removed have been handed over to the Gonagangaara Police Station.