Father and son fined $200,000 for attempting to smuggle insects
On May 8, park rangers apprehended Luigi Ferrari, 68, and his 28-year-old son, Mattia, after they were caught with jars containing the insects.
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A father and his son have been fined 60 million Sri Lankan rupees (approximately $200,000 or £150,000) for attempting to smuggle hundreds of native insects, including 92 butterflies, from Yala National Park in Sri Lanka.
On May 8, park rangers apprehended Luigi Ferrari, 68, and his 28-year-old son, Mattia, after they were caught with jars containing the insects.
Investigations revealed that the duo had used animal attractants to capture the insects and intended to preserve them chemically using wax sachets.
In early September, the Ferraris were found guilty of illegally collecting, possessing, and transporting the insects. They received the highest fine ever imposed for a wildlife-related crime in the country.
Park ranger K Sujeewa Nishantha told BBC Sinhala that a safari jeep driver had reported seeing a suspicious vehicle parked along the road, with two men carrying insect nets into the forest.
Upon searching the car, the rangers discovered hundreds of jars filled with dead insects, preserved with chemicals. Over 300 insects were found in total.
The men initially faced 810 charges, later reduced to 304. If they fail to pay the fine by September 24, they may face up to two years in prison.
