Passenger arrested at BIA with illegal ornamental plants worth Rs. 775,000

By T.K.G Kapila

Colombo, April 11 (Daily Mirror) - A 40-year-old Sri Lankan businessman was arrested by Customs officers at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning (11) for attempting to smuggle a consignment of ornamental plants valued at Rs. 775,000.

The suspect, a resident of Veyangoda, had arrived from Bangalore at 12:45 a.m. on an IndiGo flight (6E-1183).

Customs officials said the passenger had attempted to exit through the “Green Channel” at the airport’s arrival terminal without declaring the items. Upon inspection, officers discovered 229 ornamental plants concealed in his luggage.

Investigations revealed that the plants had been imported without the necessary permits, in violation of Sri Lanka’s plant quarantine and wildlife regulations.

Following a formal Customs inquiry, the entire stock of ornamental plants was confiscated. The suspect was also fined Rs. 100,000 by authorities.