Metal detector at the centre of probe

Police Superintendent W.M.N. Wanigasekara, who is in charge of the Special Task Force (STF) camp at Mahabulankulama in Anuradhapura, last week received a tip-off about a man transporting a metal detector used in mine clearance.

STF personnel from the camp intercepted the vehicle and took into custody a modified metal detector.

Investigations revealed that the man in possession of the equipment worked as a driver at the Health Ministry. He left his job six months ago to engage in the business of hiring out the modified metal detector to treasure hunters.

His clients were not only treasure hunters. Those who were looking for precious metals such as gold and hidden military hardware of the LTTE in the North and East also hired his metal detector, a detective in charge of the investigations said.

The suspect said he had bought the modified equipment for Rs 1.5 million from a person at Madiwela in Kotte. Police are on the lookout for this suspect to find out how he came into possession of the equipment.

“The equipment in its original form was meant to detect mines which are buried about two to three feet underground. But the modified equipment could trace metal lying 35 feet underground. A monitor added to the equipment displays the area in which the metal is spread out. The equipment had been modified in such a manner that when the collapsible antenna is raised the depth of the area it scans underground proportionately increases,” the detective said.

He said their investigations were focused on who used the equipment for what and where.