Chinese national arrested at BIA for attempting to smuggle Kothala Himbutu

A Chinese citizen was detained by Customs officials this morning (31) at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake while trying to smuggle 21 kilograms of Kothala Himbutu, or Salacia reticulata, out of Sri Lanka. This plant is known for its strong medicinal properties. According to reports from Ada Derana, the 46-year-old suspect had concealed the plant in multiple packages that were labeled with a popular Sri Lankan tea brand to disguise the contents. The individual arrived at the airport around 1:40 a.m. to catch China Eastern Airlines flight MU-714, which was set to leave for Kunming, China. Salacia reticulata is a native plant species that cannot be exported from Sri Lanka due to the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (FFPO). Customs officers at the BIA, along with the Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Protection Division of Sri Lanka Customs, are continuing their investigation into the matter.