A 44-year-old man has been fined Rs. 70,000 for illegally keeping a baby crocodile in Aluthgama, wildlife officials stated. 

The suspect was arrested in Kaluwamodara following information received by the Hikkaduwa National Park headquarters and produced before the Kalutara Magistrate today(17). 

The court ordered the crocodile to be released into a suitable habitat under veterinary supervision. 

The Department of Wildlife Conservation said crocodiles are strictly protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance and warned that raids will continue against those exploiting wildlife for profit.