An illegal slaughterhouse operated on a large scale in the Welipenna area by a millionaire gem businessman was raided by the Central Anti-Corruption Task Force of police based in Walana on Wednesday morning (26).

Three people including the gem businessman were also arrested by the police.

Police have rescued and released 13 stolen buffaloes that have been prepared for slaughter.

It was reported that a former president’s coordinating secretary who is a politician from Trincomalee has put pressure on the police officers to get the arrested businessman released.

The businessman had also tried to evade arrest by offering a bribe of Rs.300,000 to the police officers.

According to a tip-off received by Central Anti-Corruption Task Force OIC Chief Inspector Indika Weerasinghe, the raid was carried out early Wednesday morning.

According to police sources, this illegal slaughterhouse, which was located 800 meters away from the Welipenna Police, has been operating for a long time with the blessings of some police officers.

The suspects were to be produced in the court yesterday.

Investigations revealed that the gem businessman has been operating an organized group to steal cattle from a number of areas including Tissamaharama and Hambantota, transport the animals along the Southern Expressway and bring them to the Welipanna slaughterhouse.

It was reported that the suspected businessman has maintained close relations with politicians and some high-ranking police officers.

(The Island)