Artefact thieves fork out over Rs 25m
Most cases reported from North Central Province:
Buddha statues, caskets, coins seized during raids:
Yasaratne GAMAGE
The Police apprehended 608 suspects while courts fined over Rs 25
million in cases involving the theft of artefacts and antiques from
January to date.
The most number of raids - 142 - during this period were carried out
to nab treasure hunters. Ninety five cases have been filed for theft and
destruction of artefacts.
The rest of the suspects were arrested for related incidents .
The Police said the majority cases of artefact thefts including
destruction caused to archaeological sites in the quest for treasure had
been reported from the North Central Province.
Wayamba has also been under the threat of treasure hunters together
with Central, Uva and Eastern Provinces. The North had the minimal
number of artefact thefts. The Police seized 12 Buddha statues, three
other statues, five caskets and other artefacts including coins during
the raids.
The Police are continuing search operations and investigations in
connection with the destruction of artefacts and archaeological
monuments.
The Police request the public to contact the nearest police station
or the Archaeology Department for any information about such illegal
acts.
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