Hatton wildlife officers have seized a large haul of Walla Patta herb illegally felled from the Morahenagana reserve in Waggama, Norton Bridge while three suspects, including 2 buyers, have been arrested.

The wildlife officers say that 42 kilograms of Walla Patta, worth around Rs 1.5 million, were seized in the operation carried out last evening.

Initially a suspect was arrested with the endemic plants and he had escaped from custody of the officers and consumed poison inside his residence.

He was admitted to the Lakshapana Hospital and later transferred to the Nawalapitiya Hospital due to being in critical condition.

When the wildlife officers had returned to the suspect’s home accompanied by police officers the two buyers who had arrived to purchase the Walla Patta haul were arrested by Norton Bridge Police.

The suspects and evidence are to be produced before the Hatton Magistrate.

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.