The National Institute of Plant Genome Research has commenced lab research into the stock of Khat saplings which was brought to the country from Kenya on Monday.

The Acting Director of the Institute S.C. Wanigasuriya  stated that they will conduct investigations to confirm if  the plant variety or a similar variety has been cultivated within the country. An individual was arrested on Monday with the stock of Khat which is a poisonous intoxicating drug ingredient.

The seized stock of saplings from Kenya was found concealed in the suspect’s bag. Environmentalists say that this is the first instance where this plant has been brought down to Sri Lanka.

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