Two Sri Lankan women were arrested in the early hours of today (7 February) for attempting to illegally smuggle a consignment of Anthurium plants valued at approximately Rs. 1 million into the country.

The arrests were made during a joint operation conducted by officers from the Customs Narcotics Control Unit, the Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Protection Division, and Customs officials at Bandaranaike International Airport (Katunayake).

The suspects, aged 45 and 40, are residents of Colombo and Avissawella respectively. They had arrived in Sri Lanka from Thailand.

Customs officers inspecting their luggage discovered 436 Anthurium plants concealed in their baggage. Subsequent inquiries revealed that the women did not possess the required import permits issued by the Department of Agriculture.

Authorities said the attempted import constitutes violations of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance and the Plant Protection Act.

The suspects are currently being held in the custody of Katunayake Airport Customs pending further legal action.