A Sri Lankan passenger was arrested early this morning (10 Feb) at Bandaranaike International Airport after attempting to smuggle in a stock of ornamental plants worth Rs. 600,000 through the “Green Channel” without declaring them.
It is reported that the 19‑year‑old student from Kochchikade, Negombo, had arrived at 12:35 am from Bangkok, Thailand.
Customs officials, together with officers from the Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Protection Division, intercepted him and found 386 ornamental plant saplings hidden in three travel bags.
The seized plants included varieties of Philodendron, Aglaonema, Alocasia, and Monstera. The suspect was taken into custody for further legal action. (Newswire)