Smuggled aquatic creatures seized at BIA; Three arrested

By T.K.G.Kapila   

A consignment of several species of aquatic creatures  smuggled into the country was seized, and three air passengers arrested  in the early hours of last morning by the Customs officials at the  Bandaranaike International Airport.   

The suspects were residents of Veyangoda area trading in  ornamental fish, and one of them was a woman. They had arrived from  Bangkok in Thailand last morning.   

The officials said the aquatic creatures included  different species of tortoises, including pig-nose tortoises, fish and  snails and that the suspects had violated the Fauna and Flora Ordinance.  A senior Customs official said the tortoises and the fish were invasive  animals posing a threat to the species of fish endemic to Sri Lanka.   

He said that after investigations, the consignment of fish would be handed over to the airline to be flown to Thailand.