Five suspects including the former Vice Chairman of the Musali Pradeshiya Sabha has been arrested for illegal sand dredging across the banks of the Malmathu River in the Murunkan area in Mannar.
Murunkan Police said that the suspects were arrested this morning following a raid carried out by the Vavuniya Police dangerous drugs unit, based on information received by the DIG in charge of Vanni District T.M.W. Deshabandu.
Various equipment used by the suspects to engage in the illegal excavations and two tractors have also been taken into custody by police.
According to reports, the suspects have been engaged in illegal sand dredging activities for a long period which has caused severe environmental damage.
During the raid, the former Vice Chairman of the Musali Pradeshiya Sabha Mohamed Fairooz had proceeded to threaten the police officers and therefore has been charged with obstructing police duties.
The arrested suspects are to be produced at the Mannar Court today (7).
