Nabbed for illegal gem mining

M. Nelson PIYARATNE -Kataragama Group

Kataragama Police have taken into custody several suspects who were engaged in illegal gem mining at Thammannawa, Kataragama in a land belonging to a third party on April 11.

Among the suspects were two security officers of a minister and two employees of the Gems and Jewellery Authority.

The incident took place in a land auctioned for Rs. 8 million recently at Thammannawa.

The illegal gem mining was carried out when the owners left for their village to spend the New Year.

It was revealed that two employees of the Gems and Jewellery Authority were the masterminds behind this racket.

The gem deposits were loaded into a vehicle belonging to a businessman in Buttala. Its driver is also under arrest.

O.I.C. I.H.T. Bandara of the Kataragama police said the suspects are scheduled to be produced before the Tissamaharama magistrate.