Three individuals have been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake for allegedly attempting to smuggle a haul of ‘Walla Patta’ herb out of the country.
The customs officers have found 48 kilograms of Walla Patta, also known as Gyrinops walla, estimated to be worth around Rs 3.4 million in their possession.
The suspects were also fined Rs.300,000 while the Walla Patta was confiscated. Scientifically known as Gyrinops walla, the endemic plant is traditionally used for medicinal purposes.
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.
