Sri Lanka Customs officers at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) have detected 25 kilograms of kothalahimbutu, a protected plant species, in the possession of a Chinese national attempting to leave the country.
The 37-year-old passenger had arrived at the departure terminal to board China Eastern Airlines flight MU 6018 to Shanghai when he was stopped and inspected by Customs officers.
During the inspection, officials found the plant material carefully concealed inside luggage, disguised as packets of tea.
Customs said the export of kothalahimbutu, which is classified as a protected species, is prohibited under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance and also violates provisions of the Customs Ordinance.
Authorities noted that such unauthorised exports fall under illegal wildlife trafficking and are in violation of international conventions.
The seized stock is estimated to be worth around Rs. 100,000 and has been taken into state custody.
Further investigations are being carried out by airport Customs officers along with the Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Protection Unit. (Newswire)
