An American tourist and a female companion were arrested in Horton Plains National Park after officials discovered insect samples, chemicals, and small animal-catching devices in their luggage during routine checks at the World’s End Nature Trail. The discovery prompted a coordinated search of a hotel in Nuwara Eliya where the suspects were staying, conducted under the supervision of Horton Plains National Park Warden M.M.K. Morathenna and site guards.
Officials confiscated approximately 15 additional samples of insects endemic to Sri Lanka along with chemicals, leading to the immediate arrest of both the foreign national and the accompanying woman. They were produced before the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate’s Court on January 12. The court seized their passports, barred them from leaving the country, and released them on a surety bond of 10 lakh rupees each. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for January 26, 2026.
Park Warden Morathenna confirmed that the confiscated insect samples will be sent to the National Museums Department for analysis, and a report will be submitted to the magistrate’s court as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not disclosed whether additional charges will be filed beyond the illegal possession of endemic wildlife and chemicals.
