A Sri Lankan passenger has been arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for attempting to smuggle 38 exotic animals into the country, in violation of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance and the Animal Diseases Act.
The arrest was carried out in the early hours of today (26) by officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) יחד with Customs officials.
The suspect, a 56-year-old resident of Digana, Kandy, had arrived from Bangkok on a Thai Airways flight.
Authorities discovered a range of animals—including guinea pigs, squirrels, doves, sugar gliders, and hedgehogs—concealed in cages within his luggage.
Customs officials imposed a fine of Rs. 250,000, while the confiscated animals were handed over to Thai Airways to be returned to Bangkok.
Further investigations are ongoing.