STF arrests man with Hill Swallow nest, ready to be sold to intl hotel for exclusive dish

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Police Special Task Force arrested a man for breaking the nests of Hill Swallows, an endangered species in Sri Lanka, and attempting to sell them for exorbitant prices to overseas hotels.

The Police Special Task Force said a raid was carried out personnel attached to the Mullaithivu Base on Saturday (12), led by Commanding Officer IP C. T. Wijeratne.

They arrested a 64-year-old male from Hingurakgoda who was in possession of a Hill Swallow nest and was attempting to sell a special area of the nest to an international hotel for the preparation of exclusive meals.

Edible bird's nests are among the most expensive animal products consumed by humans, with nests being sold at prices up to about $3,000 per pound ($6,600/kg), depending on grading.