Customs officials at Katunayake airport terminal have apprehended a Sri Lankan business couple, aged 35 and 37, along with 88 live animals illegally imported from Thailand. The couple, residents of Avissawella Puakpitiya area, was intercepted upon their arrival from Bangkok on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 405.
The animals, including worms, lizards, turtles, salamanders, hamsters, hedgehogs, mice, squirrels, fish, frogs, and turtles, were concealed in plastic boxes within the couple’s luggage. The customs officers, assisted by the Katunayake Airport Customs Biodiversity Unit and the Agriculture Department’s Animal Quarantine Institute, discovered the animals valued at over 45 lakh rupees.
Despite the couple’s meticulous planning to ensure ventilation for the live animals, customs officials detected their illegal importation. The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are underway to determine how they evaded detection at the Thai airport and other related issues.
The confiscated animals have been handed over to the Katunayake Airport Animal Quarantine Institute for further assessment and handling.
