March 31, LNW (Colombo): A foreign national was arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport this morning (31) for attempting to smuggle a protected plant species out of the country, according to Customs officials.
The suspect, a 46-year-old Chinese national visiting Sri Lanka, was apprehended by Customs officers at the departure terminal in Katunayake.
Authorities discovered approximately 21 kilograms of Kotala Himbutu concealed inside his luggage. The plant material had been cut into smaller pieces and packed in wrappers bearing a well-known Sri Lankan tea brand, apparently in an effort to evade detection.
Kotala Himbutu is a protected species under Sri Lanka’s Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, and its export is strictly prohibited.
Further investigations are being conducted by Sri Lanka Customs, including officers from the Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Protection Unit at Katunayake Airport.
