The illegal gathering, transportation and distribution of animals is considered as wildlife smuggling or trafficking. Currently, this is done internationally and domestically and is the third most illicit commercial activity in the world.
This illegal trade is still spreading globally and it encompasses the illegal exportation of native species, illegal importation of exotic species and unauthorised, internal trade in indigenous and exotic species. Among the products sold illegally are exotic pets, food, traditional medicine,indigenous medicinal plants and ingredients, clothing and jewellery made from protected animal body parts such as tusks, skin, horns, teeth, fins, shells and other internal organs.
Recently, we learned about the apprehending of smuggled love birds and parrots at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake by the Customs Officers. This proves that smuggling still prevails within the country and is a serious issue if we consider the negative outcomes of this illicit trade. According to the Media Spokesperson of Sri Lanka Customs, Director of Customs, Sunil Jayarathna, a Sri Lankan passenger from Katuneriya, who arrived from Singapore by flight No UL 309 at 9.10 p.m. on November 17 was apprehended by Customs officials at the Green Channel of the Arrival Lounge at Bandaranaike International Airport, while attempting to smuggle 10 love birds and 17 parrots valued at Rs. 650,000 into the country. Further investigations were carried out by Deputy Directors of Customs D.P.M. Gunawardhane, Superintendent of Customs R.K.M. Dayananda and Assistant Superintendent of Customs M. Amrin.under the guidance of Additional Director General of Customs, Stanley Senarathne and Director of Customs (Airport) M.A. Karunarathne. The birds were forfeited and a penalty amounting to Rs.100, 000 was imposed on the suspect.
The birds were ordered to be re-exported to Singapore under the supervision of the Animal Quarantine Division of the Department of Animal Health and Productions by the Inquiring Officer, Deputy Director of Customs ,U.K. Asoka Ranjith after the formal Customs inquiry. Smuggling fauna and flora from foreign countries is an illegal act which leads to severe penalties if and when apprehended.
This is also considered as animal cruelty by law as the animals are subjected to unnecessary pain and suffering in the process. The maximum punishment imposed on a person for such offences is fines and jail sentences depending on the severity of the offence. In certain conditions, there are instances where the officers find the birds dead on arrival due to callous transportation.
At times,there are instances where they find infected birds which is very dangerous. Bird flu is a fatal infection in that led to numerous deaths island-wide in the past few years. Importing animals and birds without a license is a offence under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance and is punishable by imprisonment. Also, anyone who is found guilty of causing unnecessary pain or suffering to any animal can be jailed for a considerable period of time. Under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act, the suspects can be jailed for several years and fined large amounts of money according to the scheduled species.