News:2024-02-25/Enforcement/parts-of-yala-at-risk-from-illicit-ganja-growers-poachers-and-bushmeat-trade

News record25 February 2024EnforcementYukthiya (eradication campaign)

Parts of Yala at risk from illicit ganja growers, poachers, and bushmeat trade

Environmental activists report approximately 50–60 cannabis plantations operating within blocks 3–6 of Yala National Park, with around 200 acres destroyed by illegal activities. Police conducted 19 raids in recent months under the 'Yukthiya' campaign, deploying STF drones to detect cultivations. Wildlife officers reduced armed patrols after three were arrested over a poacher's death in November 2023, enabling a surge in illegal activity. Cannabis growers also engage in poaching using trap guns and wire snares, injuring elephants and leopards — over 20 elephants found with damaged trunks.

Read the source report

More from this series

• 2 Jan 2024Yukthiya operation nets 822 arrests, seizes drugs in 24-hour blitz
• 18 Dec 2023Operation Yukthiya: Over 2,100 arrests in 24 hours

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Date25 Feb 2024

CategoryEnforcement

Part ofYukthiya (eradication campaign)

CountrySri Lanka

State / provinceSouthern Province

District / areaHambantota District

LocalityYala National Park

Growing regionSouthern Province

AgencySri Lanka Police, Special Task Force, Wildlife Conservation Department

Coordinates6.37, 81.50

Coordinates are approximate.

Source report

2024-02-25 Enforcement Parts of Yala at risk from illicit ganja growers, poachers, and bushmeat trade Environmental activists report approximately 50–60 cannabis plantations operating within blocks 3–6 of Yala National Park, with around 200 acres destroyed by illegal activities. Police conducted 19 raids in recent months under the 'Yukthiya' campaign, deploying STF drones to detect cultivations. Wildlife officers reduced armed patrols after three were arrested over a poacher's death in November 2023, enabling a surge in illegal activity. Cannabis growers also engage in poaching using trap guns and wire snares, injuring elephants and leopards — over 20 elephants found with damaged trunks. https://www.sundaytimes.lk/240225/news/parts-of-yala-at-risk-from-illicit-ganja-growers-poachers-and-bushmeat-trade-549887.html Yukthiya (eradication campaign) Sri Lanka Southern Province Hambantota District Yala National Park 6° 22' 12.00" N, 81° 30' 0.00" E Southern Province Yala-Lunugamvehera Sri Lanka Police, Special Task Force, Wildlife Conservation Department