A Chinese national who attempted to smuggle a consignment of Salacia reticulata (Kothala Himbutu), an indigenous plant to Sri Lanka that contains high medicinal value, worth Rs. 300,000 out of Sri Lanka, was apprehended by Customs officers at the departure terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake in the early hours today (03).

According to Customs officials, the suspect, a 30-year-old Chinese national visiting Sri Lanka, had arrived at the airport to board China Eastern Airlines flight MU 714, bound for Kunming, China, scheduled to depart at 1.20 a.m. today.

He had concealed 48 kilograms and 600 grams of Salacia reticulata, prepared in pieces and packed in packets within his luggage, Ada Derana reporter said.

Salacia reticulata is an indigenous plant species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (FFPO) of Sri Lanka.

Following a formal investigation, Customs officials at the BIA confiscated the stock and imposed a fine of Rs. 200,000 on the suspect.