Authorities have arrested 25 suspects, including three gem businessmen, following a raid on an illegal gem mining operation in the Horana area. Officers seized equipment valued at over Rs. 70 million.

The Walana Central Anti-Corruption Unit has arrested 25 individuals during a coordinated operation targeting illegal gem mining activities in the Kobawaka Watta area near the Kalu Ganga estuary in Horana. Among those taken into custody are three gem businessmen allegedly involved in the large-scale operation.

During the raid, authorities seized a substantial quantity of gem mining equipment with an estimated value exceeding Rs. 70 million. The confiscated items include 11 boats and five motors that were allegedly being used to facilitate the illegal mining activities in the region.