The Samanalawewa police have arrested 17 people, including a local council candidate of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, who dug up treasures by using explosives at the Samanalawewa Rathnagolla reserve.
The raid was carried out yesterday as a result of the villagers alerting the police after hearing the sound of gunshots.
Along with the police, villagers and wildlife officers are also involved in the raid.
Samanalaweva police say that they were using explosives and digging while performing sacrifices even when they entered the reserve.
Police say that the arrested suspects are between the ages of 19 and 66. They are residents of Balangoda, Haputale, Opanayake, Weligepola, Belihul Oya, Wewelwatta, Welimada, Pinnawala and Kalthota.