Two persons have been arrested for the possession of a large quantity of ‘Walla Patta’ herb in the Madatugama Junction area in Kekirawa.
The suspects were arrested following an operation carried out by police Special Task Force (STF) personnel, according to information received.
Over 23 kilograms of the endemic plant was found in the possession of the suspects, a 38-year-old and 40-year-old from Madatugama.
They are to be produced at the Kekirawa Magistrate’s Court today.
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.
