STF seize ‘Walla Patta’ worth Rs 200 million, 6 arrested

STF seize ‘Walla Patta’ worth Rs 200 million, 6 arrested

May 21, 2013   10:05 am

Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel recovered 13,499 kilograms of Wallapatta herb valued at around Rs 200 million to be smuggled out of the country and arrested 6 suspects including 2 Indian nationals during a raid in Kolonnawa.

The arrests were made last night while the suspects have been handed over to Wellampitiya Police for onward action, police spokesman SP Buddhika Siriwardena said.

Scientifically known as Gyrinops walla, the endemic plant is traditionally used for medicinal purposes.

It produces a resinous substance called agarwood, which fetches a high price in other countries as it is used in the production of perfumes.

Transportation or possession of the plant, which only grows in certain parts of the island, is prohibited.

The commercial value of this tree came to light with the recent attempts to illegally fell and smuggle it to extract Agarwood.

Three Bangladesh nationals were arrested in Ratnapura in February for the possession around 6 kilograms and 750 milligrams of the plant Walla Patta. They were attempting to export it to Saudi Arabia.

Disclaimer: All the comments will be moderated by the AD editorial. Abstain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or slanderous. Please avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment and avoid typing all capitalized comments. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by flagging them(mouse over a comment and click the flag icon on the right side). Do use these forums to voice your opinions and create healthy discourse.

Most Viewed Video Stories

🔴LIVE | Ada Derana Midday Prime News Bulletin - 2025.07.11

🔴LIVE | Ada Derana Midday Prime News Bulletin - 2025.07.11

Trump Tariff: Exports volume will reduce but real challenge is rates of Sri Lanka's competitors – expert (English)

Sri Lanka govt not considering retaliatory measures over Trump's tariff - Presidential Advisor (English)

Sri Lanka's opposition reacts to Trump's announcement on 30% trade tariff (English)

Ceylon Chamber urges continued engagement to secure further US tariff reduction (English)

Trump slashes tariff rate on Sri Lanka to 30% from 44% - But govt, private sector seeks further reduction

LIVE🔴Ada Derana Prime Time News Bulletin 6.55 pm

LIVE🔴 Ada Derana Lunch Time News Bulletin 12.00 pm