Five more suspects were arrested during a special joint operation conducted as part of investigations into the shooting of the tusker Kavanthissa.
Officers from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Walana Central Anti-Vice Striking Unit in Panadura and the Police carried out searches in the area.
Investigators reportedly established that the main suspect arrested earlier was directly involved in the shooting. The five additional suspects were believed to be linked to other alleged illegal activities in the area.
Wildlife officers and Galgamuwa Police were continuing to question the suspects.
Investigations were also expanded to locate the firearms used in the shooting and determine whether an organized wildlife trafficking network had been operating in the area.
