Two local women were arrested this morning (7) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, for illegally importing anthurium plants worth approximately Rs. 1 million.
The arrest was carried out jointly by officers of the Customs Narcotics Control Division, the Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Conservation Division, and Airport Customs officers.
The suspects are a 45-year-old resident of Colombo and a 40-year-old resident of Avissawella. They had arrived at Katunayake from Thailand.
During inspection of their luggage, officers recovered 436 anthurium plants. Investigations revealed that the women did not possess the required import permit issued by the Department of Agriculture.
Customs officials stated that the plants had been brought into the country in violation of the Wildlife and Flora Protection Ordinance as well as the Plant Quarantine Act.
The two suspects are currently in the custody of Katunayake Airport Customs officers pending further investigations.
