Authorities at Bandaranaike International Airport arrested two women early Saturday for allegedly attempting to smuggle hundreds of Anthurium plants into the country from Thailand.
The suspects, a 45-year-old from Colombo and a 40-year-old from Avissawella, were intercepted by a joint task force during routine luggage checks. Officials from the Customs Narcotics Control Unit and the Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Protection Division discovered 436 Anthurium plants concealed inside their baggage.
The shipment is valued at approximately Rs. 1 million.
According to Sri Lanka Customs, the women failed to produce the mandatory import permits required by the Department of Agriculture. Investigators said the unauthorized import violates the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance and the Plant Protection Act, which regulate the entry of foreign botanical species to prevent the introduction of invasive pests and diseases.
Both women remain in custody at the airport as officials continue their investigation. Legal action is expected to follow. (Newswire)