Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) have arrested a couple for smuggling 88 live animals worth nearly Rs. 40 million from Thailand.
The animals, which included tortoises, frogs, hedgehogs, squirrels, turtles, worms, hamsters, lizards, and fish were concealed in plastic boxes with air holes, inside the couple’s backpacks.
The suspects arrived at the BIA on Monday (25) from Bangkok.
Sri Lanka Customs officers have expressed concern over the fact that these animals were not detected by the airport or customs officers in Thailand.
The suspects are 35-year-old residents of Puwakpitiya, Avisawella and Sri Lanka Customs are conducting further investigations with the suspects in their custody.
The animals have been handed over to the BIA animal quarantine department until investigations are completed.
T.K.G. Kapila