Four individuals suspected of selling counterfeit gemstones have been arrested in Badulla and Habarana.

The police stated that two of the suspects were arrested in Badulla and upon inspection, found in their possession four fake gemstones, 834 gold spheres and a bronze statue of Lord Buddha.

Two other suspects were arrested in Habarana subsequent to further interrogation.

Police added that the arrests were made following investigations that were launched after they received a tip-off that the suspects had defrauded close to Rs.140,000 by selling counterfeit gems.