A Chinese national has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake for allegedly attempting to smuggle a large haul of ‘Walla Patta’ herb out of the country.
Sri Lanka customs officers found 25 kilograms of Walla Patta, also known as Gyrinops walla, estimated to be worth around Rs 5 million in the possession of the 37-year-old suspect.
The suspect, who also possessed Sri Lankan citizenship, was fined Rs 25,000 while the Walla Patta was confiscated.
Scientifically known as Gyrinops walla, the endemic plant is traditionally used for medicinal purposes.
However, it produces a resinous substance called Agarwood, which fetches a high price in other countries as it is used in the production of perfumes.
Transportation or possession of the plant, which only grows in certain parts of the island, is prohibited.
The commercial value of this tree came to light with the recent attempts to illegally fell and smuggle it to extract Agarwood.
