Two suspects have been arrested while transporting a large quantity of ‘Walla Patta’ herb, worth over Rs 250,000 near the Gurugalla Junction in Thalduwa, Avissawella.
The arrests were made by a team of officers from the Police Special Task Force (STF) camp in Kelaniya, who seized 17 kilograms and 200 grams of the endemic plant found in the possession of the suspects.
The haul of Walla Patta is estimated to be valued at around Rs 258,000.
The suspects have been handed over to Avissawella Police for onward legal action, STF said.
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.
The commercial value of this tree came to light with the recent attempts to illegally fell and smuggle it to extract Agarwood.
