Walla Patta worth millions seized

by Kurulu Kariyakarawana

A large stock of Walla Patta worth several million rupees had been detected by the police in two cases reported from Kekirawa and Ayagama yesterday, police said.

The Walana-Panadura Central Anti Vice Striking Unit took in for questioning nine people who had allegedly possessed 63 kilograms of Walla Patta, scientifically known as Gyrinops Walla.

The suspects who are residents of Kalawana and Kukuleganga had been handed over to Ayagama police for further investigations. They will be produced before the Ratnapura Magistrate today.

The Police Special Task Force also took in for questioning two suspects in Kekirawa who had 23 kilograms of Walla Patta. They were arrested following a tip-off.

They will be produced before the Kekirawa Magistrate today, Police Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said.

Walla Patta which is endemic to Sri Lanka produces a resinous substance called Agarwood, which fetches a high price in other countries as it is used to produce perfumes.