SIX ARRESTED OVER ATTEMPTED SALE OF CONCH SHELL

COLOMBO (News 1st): Six suspects who attempted to sell a conch shell also known as 'Valampuri' for Rs. 20 million in the Ambalantota area, were arrested on Monday (Jan. 18) by a team of Police Special Task Force (STF) attached to the Ambalantota camp, police said. The arrests were made based on a tip-off, by deploying an undercover agent, Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said on Tuesday (Jan. 19). "The suspects had demanded Rs. 20 million to sell the divine conch (valampuri). Accordingly, the STF deployed a decoy to purchase the valampuri, and thereafter, when the deal was carried out the suspects were arrested," the Deputy Police Chief elaborated on the operation. Further, a jeep was also seized during the operation. According to DIG Ajith Rohana, the suspects have been handed over to the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department of Hambantota and further investigations are underway in terms of the provisions of the Fauna and Flora Protection Act. The suspects will be produced before the court today (Jan. 19).