The Kalutara Police Division Law Enforcement Unit raided an unauthorized river sand mining centre at Molkawa which had operated in the Mathugama Police area.
Police seized three boats loaded with sand. Baskets and spades were also taken into custody. The suspects had run away into the jungle when Police commenced the raid.
Police said dozens of lorries were transporting river sand from the centre per month and sold at exorbitant prices for building contractors in Bulathsinhala and Mathugama.