A Chinese man has been caught trying to smuggle around 200 venomous scorpions out of Sri Lanka.
The live animals were discovered by security officials at Colombo airport, packed in plastic boxes.
Authorities suggest the man may have been planning to extract the venom from the scorpions once in China.
Fighting the trafficking of exotic wildlife and the smuggling of gold and illegal drugs has become a major challenge for Sri Lanka.
The man who was apprehended by customs officials on Monday was fined 100,000 rupees ($550, £423) and allowed to return home.
Sri Lanka has about 18 species of venomous scorpions yet only one is fatal to humans. It was not clear whether the smuggled scorpions were deadly.
Sri Lanka has strict laws trying to curb wildlife trafficking but smuggling attempts are increasing. In June, several senior officials were charged with capturing baby elephants and accused of trying to sell them. Three years ago, Sri Lanka destroyed 45kg (100 pounds) of rare bird nests from traffickers, a main ingredient in a soup in China and other Asian countries. Another animal targeted by smugglers is the pangolin, killed for its scales which are smuggled to China.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
Lamens flouted some food safety laws in re-bagging rice – Former FDA Boss Alhaji Hudu Mogtari
30 mins -
Afcon exit: Our issue is administrative failure and mismanagement, not lack of talent – Saddick Adams
49 mins -
WAPCo to commence major pipeline maintenance and inspection from November 25
56 mins -
CEO of Oro Oil Ghana Limited Maxwell Commey listed among the 100 Most Influential People Awards, 2024
1 hour -
Power crisis: Amandi is off due to maintenance, not debt – ECG Boss
1 hour -
Votes cast for late Akua Donkor to be declared invalid – Electoral Commission
2 hours -
You can’t keep “incompetent” Otto Addo for the long term – Countryman Songo
2 hours -
Joy FM holds 2024 Prayer Summit for Peace
2 hours -
Lady sues Police and AG over assault in custody
3 hours -
Ghana’s railway sector has been revived under my leadership – Akufo-Addo
4 hours -
Next government must enforce C190 – Women Economic Dialogue Forum
4 hours -
NCCE engages party youth activists at Nandom on peaceful election
4 hours -
SSNIT engages stakeholders on its operations
4 hours -
Defilement: 19-year-old farmer jailed ten years, with hard labour
4 hours -
Bawumia to inaugurate new headquarters of Lands Commission on November 25
4 hours