A large stock of Walla Patta worth of several million rupees had been detected by the police in two different cases reported from Kekirawa and Ayagama yesterday, the police said.
Walana – Panadura Central Anti Vice Striking Unit arrested nine persons who had allegedly possessed 63kilograms of Walla Patta or scientifically known as Gyrinops Walla.
The suspects who are residents of Kalawana and Kukuleganga area had been handed over to Ayagama Police for further inquiries. They will be produced before Ratnapura Magistrate today.
The Police Special Task Force arrested two persons in Kekirawa who possessed 23kilograms of Walla Patta. The suspects who were residents of Madatugama area were arrested on information.
They will be produced before 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 in the production of perfumes.