A Chinese national who attempted to illegally take a stock of Kothala Himbutu (Salacia reticulata) to China was arrested early today (31) at the departure terminal of the Katunayake Airport by a group of customs officers.
According to reports, the Chinese national had packed 21 kilograms of Kothala Himbutu inside several packages branded with Sri Lanka’s world‑renowned tea label.
The suspect, aged 46, is a Chinese national who had arrived in Sri Lanka for travel.
He had come to Katunayake Airport early today at 1.40 am to board China Eastern Airlines flight MU‑714 bound for Kunming, China.
Under the provisions of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, Kothala Himbutu is a protected plant species that cannot be taken out of Sri Lanka.
Customs officers at Katunayake Airport, together with officials of the Customs Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Protection Unit, are conducting further investigations into the matter. (Newswire)
