Dutch bio-thief given record-high penalty

The Dutch scientist W.A.R. Heitmans who was caught inside Sinharaja National Heritage Wilderness Area on April 11 while he was collecting and killing animals was fined a total of Rs. 1.55 million by the Additional Magistrate of Ratnapura.

The animals were to be taken abroad and the officials have found more animals kept in vials in his room.The accused was kept in remand till last Friday.

This is the largest fine imposed on a person caught illegally collecting specimens. This is the seventh individual to be fined for illegal collecting during the preceding four months of the year. –DY