Sri Lanka Navy Seizes 149 Smuggled Pigeons Arriving Illegally from India

The Sri Lanka Navy has intercepted a vessel attempting to smuggle 149 pigeons into the country from India via sea, in one of the most unusual smuggling cases reported this year.

According to Navy officials, the birds were found hidden aboard a vessel that had travelled from India to Kalpitiya. Two suspects, including the vessel’s operator, were taken into custody during the operation.

The confiscated pigeons were subsequently handed over to the Department of Wildlife Conservation for further investigation and care.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the pigeons were being prepared for sale, with estimated market prices ranging between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 100,000 per bird. Authorities suspect the smuggling operation may be part of a larger illegal trade network involving rare or high-value pigeon breeds.

The Navy has increased coastal surveillance and patrols to curb wildlife trafficking and protect the country’s borders from illegal activities.