Police have arrested seventeen persons preparing to export a massive stock of refuse tea in the Indolamulla area today.
Dompe Police, acting on information received, carried out a raid on the location and seized around 100,000 kilograms of refuse tea from the suspects.
Dompe Police are conducting further investigations regarding the suspects.
Meanwhile in a separate incident, a person was arrested for the possession of 19 kilograms and 350 grams of the endemic plant ‘Walla Patta’ in Aluthwatta, Udugama.
A 38 –year-old resident of Baddegama was arrested by Udugama Police who will produce him at the Baddegama Magistrate’s Court.
Scientifically known as Gyrinops walla, the endemic plant is traditionally used for medicinal purposes.
However, it produces a resinous substance called Agarwood, which fetches a high price in other countries as it is used in the production of perfumes.
Transportation or possession of the plant, which only grows in certain parts of the island, is prohibited.
