Sri Lanka, Jan. 13 -- An American couple was apprehended by wildlife officials yesterday (12) at Horton Plains National Park for possessing samples of endemic insects preserved in chemicals and specialised collection equipment.

Horton Plains National Park officers discovered the specimens during a routine baggage inspection at the entrance to the World's End nature trail.

Following the initial discovery, a search operation led by Park Warden M.M.K. Morathenna and officials from the Hakgala Range Forest Office was conducted at a popular tourist hotel in Nuwara Eliya where the couple was staying.

This search yielded an additional 15 samples of endemic insects and a stock of chemicals.

The suspects appeared before the Nuwara Eliya Magis...