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

{{NewsItem
|date=2024-02-25
|category=Enforcement
|title=Parts of Yala at risk from illicit ganja growers, poachers, and bushmeat trade
|summary=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.
|source=https://www.sundaytimes.lk/240225/news/parts-of-yala-at-risk-from-illicit-ganja-growers-poachers-and-bushmeat-trade-549887.html
|part_of_campaign=Yukthiya (Eradication Campaign)
|country=Sri Lanka
|admin1=Southern Province
|admin2=Hambantota District
|locality=Yala National Park
|coordinates=6.37, 81.50
|growing_region=Southern Province
|growing_area=Yala-Lunugamvehera
|agency=Good catch! There's definitely enforcement data to pull from this article. Here's what we can extract:  Agency: Sri Lanka Police, Special Task Force, Wildlife Conservation Department
}}