5 Slovakian nationals arrested for smuggling gene samples

Colombo (News1st): Five Slovakian nationals who attempted to smuggle gene samples of endangered species, plants and insects from the Sinharaja Forest were arrested by Wildlife officers. The suspects were arrested at the Kudawa entry of the Sinharaja Forest. The group of Slovakian nationals were staying in a hotel close to the main entrance of the Sinharaja Forest for the past three days. It was revealed that they had been smuggling hundreds of endangered species, including insects and plants and other animals, during the night. Police seized sophisticated cameras, drones, as well as containers with animal and plant samples. They were also in possession of chemical substances used as tranquillizers.