Two suspects nabbed while smuggling 2,089 star tortoises from India
 

On receipt of intelligence information to the Navy, a group of naval personnel attached to the Northwestern Naval Command apprehended 2 suspects while smuggling 2,089 live star tortoises by a dinghy, in the sea area in between Ippantivu and Sinna Arichchal, Kalpitiya yesterday (June,17). The suspects were smuggling these rare species of tortoises by illegal means from India.

The apprehended suspects, star tortoises, dinghy and other items were brought to the naval base SLNS Vijaya in Kalpitiya and subsequently handed over to the Sinnapadu Custom Office for onward legal action.