Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport have seized 25 kilograms of Kothalahimbutu concealed inside tea packets from a Chinese passenger attempting to leave the country.
The detection was made on March 21 at the departure terminal when the 37-year-old passenger was preparing to board a China Eastern Airlines flight bound for Shanghai. Upon inspecting his luggage, officers discovered the protected plant carefully hidden within tea packets.
Authorities stated that Kothalahimbutu is a specially protected plant species under Sri Lanka’s wildlife laws, and exporting it without a valid permit is strictly prohibited. The attempt is considered a violation of both the Wildlife Protection Ordinance and the Customs Ordinance.
Officials further noted that such unauthorised exports amount to illegal wildlife trafficking and also breach international conventions on biodiversity protection.
The seized stock, estimated to be worth around Rs. 100,000, has been taken into custody while investigations are being conducted by Sri Lanka Customs, including its Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Protection Division.
