Earlier today, a suspect was arrested in connection to possessing and storing explosives illegally, to which The Morning contacted Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa today (10) who clarified as to why people are resorting to such measures to procure explosives illegally, stating that this has become the "norm". "We have had numerous cases the last few days where suspects have been taken into custody for illegally possessing explosives. This has become the norm with stone miners, who are now smuggling in explosives from India, as it is cheaper and also does not require documentation and permits which are slightly more expensive. This is almost always done by stone miners. These raids have been happening for a while now, and we have discovered how and where these explosives are smuggled," stated Thalduwa. The Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel seized the stock of explosives stored illegally by the 39-year-old individual, who was arrested along with the explosives stored illegally at two locations in Meerigama without valid permits. Following the interrogation of the arrested suspect, it was uncovered that the explosives in question had been procured after presenting forged documents and information in order to be sold to other individuals. The seized explosives material includes 81 water gel sticks weighing nearly 130g, 75 kg of ammonium nitrate, 107 non-electric detonators and 360 meters of detonating cord.