A female passenger attempting to illegally bring 06 live exotic snakes into Sri Lanka via the ‘Green Channel’ was arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, by officers of the Sri Lanka Customs’ Narcotic Control Unit.
The suspect, a businesswoman from Keselwatta, had purchased the snakes in Bangkok, Thailand, and attempted to smuggle them into the country via Chennai, India, concealing them in 02 checked-in baggages.
The seized reptiles included:
- 01 Yellow Anaconda
- 01 Ball Python
- 01 Speckled Kingsnake
- 03 Honduran Milk Snakes
All species are listed under CITES Appendix II and are subject to international controls due to the threats posed by the exotic pet trade, said Sri Lanka Customs.
Authorities have learnt that that such reptiles brought to be sold as exotic pets, are later released into forests after they become too large, which cause a significant threat to the local ecosystem.
Customs officials also highlighted a growing trend of keeping snakes as pets in Sri Lanka, with imported white rats being used as feed.
Investigations are ongoing, and appropriate action will be taken under the Customs Ordinance, the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, and the Animal Diseases Act, it said.
Sri Lanka Customs reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country’s biodiversity and preventing its misuse as a hub for transnational wildlife trafficking, the statement added.
Bird smugglers caught in Pesalai
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Navy disrupted a smuggling operation in Pesalai, Mannar, seizing 91 birds and apprehending two suspects along with a dinghy used in the act.
According to them, the seized birds included 72 pigeons and 19 game fowls.
The suspects, aged 17 and 52 and residents of Pesalai, were handed over to Pesalai Police for further legal action.
