Customs foils attempt to smuggle exotic snakes

The Sri Lanka customs Narcotic Control Unit along with the Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Protection Unit had captured a Sri Lankan national who was carrying six live exotic snakes concealed in her checked-in baggage.

According to customs the suspect identified as a woman who was in her early 40, and had arrived from Bangkok via Chennai on Indigo Airlines flight 6E1173. 

The seized reptiles were identified one Speckled Kingsnake, one yellow anaconda, three Honduran milk snakes and one ball python.
customs confirmed that all species are listed under CITES Appendix II, and are subject to international controls due to the threats posed by the exotic pet trade.
Customs said that the Department of Wildlife Conservation extended technical support in species identification and handling, ensuring the safe management of the animals. 
They added that Investigations are ongoing, and appropriate action will be taken under the Customs Ordinance, the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, and the Animal Diseases Act.