Gas shortage leads to rise in illegal timber racket

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Jun 15, 2022
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Police in Kilinochchi have arrested eight suspects along with eight vehicles transporting illegal timber felled from a forest reserve.

The suspects were arrested and vehicles seized in raids conducted at two places in Kilinochchi on Monday (13).

Six drivers and their vehicles were arrested near Elephant Pass while two other drivers and their vehicles were arrested from Sangupiddi in Punakari.

Investigations have revealed that the suspects have been illegally felling trees from forest reserves in Kilinochchi and selling them at high prices. The demand for firewood has soared in the Kilinochchi district over in recent times owing to the severe gas shortage. This has resulted in the racket spreading rapidly, police said.

By Romesh Madushanka