Wildlife authorities in Embilipitiya have arrested a man who advertised a protected sea snail shell for Rs. 500,000 on social media, leading to a court fine of Rs. 40,000.
A resident of the Padalangala area in Embilipitiya was taken into custody by the Department of Wildlife Conservation after attempting to sell a shell belonging to a protected marine species. According to the department, officers conducted a raid on August 17 following a tip-off regarding illegal wildlife trade activity in the region.
The suspect had publicly listed the item for sale on social media at a price of Rs. 500,000. Upon discovering the advertisement, wildlife officers moved swiftly to apprehend the individual and confiscate the shell. The shell belonged to the horned helmet sea snail, known locally as the "Sri Lanka Map Snail" due to distinctive markings on its exterior. Its scientific designation is Cassis cornuta.
When produced before the Embilipitiya Magistrate's Court, the accused was ordered to pay a fine of Rs. 40,000. According to the Wildlife Department, the capture, possession, and commercial trade of certain marine snail species are explicitly prohibited under Sri Lanka's Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. The department emphasizes that such protections exist to safeguard the country's marine biodiversity.
Wildlife officials note that marine snails serve critical ecological functions within ocean environments. Certain species contribute to coral reef protection by consuming organisms that could otherwise damage these vital ecosystems. The case highlights ongoing enforcement efforts against the illegal wildlife trade, which continues to pose threats to Sri Lanka's protected species.
