Three caught attempting to smuggle FC worth Rs.166 mn

A 42-year-old woman was arrested this morning while attempting to smuggle out foreign currency worth Rs.166 million concealed inside her baggage at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Deputy Customs Director Parakrama Basnayake said the suspect woman, from Kalutara was arrested while attempting to smuggle the foreign currency out to Dubai via Qatar.

“She was arrested along with another woman and a man who were attempted to leave with her. The foreign currency was found concealed in false bottoms of two small bags which were stored inside her baggage.

The customs had found Kuwait Dinar, Qatar Riyal, Oman Riyal, Saudi Riyal, Swiss Franc, US Dollars, Euro and UAE Dirham among the currencies found inside her baggage.

The raid was conducted following a tip off received by the Airport Customs officials at the airport departure lounge, he said.

“We suspect the modus operandi has been unsuccessful due the vigilance of Customs officers," said Deputy Customs Director Parakrama Basnayake.

The raid was conducted under the direction of Mr. Basnayake and investigation was held under the  Deputy Customs Director Mahesh Hewavitharana.

Investigations are being carried out under the supervision of Customs Superintendents Upul Wasantha and Asoka Ratnayaka, Assistant Customs Superintendents Nishantha Wijewickrema, Kumara Gunatikele, Ravi Samaranayaka, Chandima Thanthriarachchi, Sisira Anthony, Kamal Sumanasiri, Ms. Dimuthu Dhananjani and Sujeewa Perera. (Chatruanga Pradeep)

Video by Ranjith Ferdinandus

Pix by Ranjith Ferdinandus