Two Lankans nabbed with sex enhancement tablets, live birds at BIA

Two Sri Lankan passengers were arrested with various medicines including pills said to be aphrodisiacs and with 57 live birds at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Customs Spokesman Deputy Director Sunil Jayaratne said.

“Both suspects were raided while attempting to smuggle them into the country through the Green Channel,” he said.

The 65-year-old Sri Lankan passenger from Malaysia was arrested with various medicines including pills valued at Rs.498, 952.

He was a resident from Udugampola, Gampaha.

After investigations, the Suspect was released on a penalty of Rs. 10,000/- and the stocks were seized by Customs Deputy Director K.H.P. Kumarasiri, he said.

Meanwhile, another Sri Lankan aged 37 was arrested this morning with 57 live birds valued at Rs. 800,000, while he was attempting to smuggle them into the country, Customs Spokesman Sunil Jayarathe said

He said the suspect was arrested with birds including one Sun Conure, 20 Pacific Birds, two Turk birds, 12 Red Lory birds and 22 Green-Cheeked Parakeet found packed in small plastic cages.

The raid was conducted by the Customs officers attached to Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Protection (BCNP) at the Green Channel.

The suspect was a resident of Marawila, he said.

Investigations were carried under the guidance of Customs Additional Director General Saman Ranawana and Airport Customs Director M.A. Karunarathne and on the directions of Deputy Directors of Customs Mrs. R.B. Gankewala, K.H.P. Kumarasiri and R. Rushandan. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

Pix by T.K.G. Kapila