Three arrested over Rs. 45 million cigarette smuggling attempt

27 August 2025 09:50 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 2 Bookmark

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By T.K.G Kapila

Colombo, August 27 (Daily Mirror) - Three Sri Lankan passengers were arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning while attempting to smuggle in a stock of foreign-made cigarettes worth Rs. 45.9 million.

According to Customs, the suspects, aged 24, 28 and 30, are residents of Colombo, Avissawella and Mattakkuliya. They had purchased the cigarettes in Dubai and brought them via Doha, Qatar, before arriving at Katunayake Airport on Qatar Airways flight QR-662 at 2.05 a.m this morning.

The trio attempted to clear the goods through the airport’s “Green Channel,” which is designated for passengers with no dutiable goods to declare. However, officers of the Customs Narcotics Control Division intercepted them and carried out an inspection.

A total of 15 pieces of luggage were found to contain 1,503 cartons of cigarettes, including foreign-made “Manchester” brands and 300,600 “Platinum 07” sticks.

The suspects were taken into custody, and further investigations are being conducted by the Customs Narcotics Control Division.

Comments - 2

Ban Vaping Too Wednesday, 27 August 2025 10:20 AM

Add Vapes especially the ones lazed with high end drugs to the list of dangerous items. Countries such as Australia, Singapore etc which initially took it lightly now have banned it completely. Many youngsters after vaping these drug infused vapes behaving like Zombies and can be detrimental. Some have classified vaping and it’s accessaries as a dangerous drug and the penalties are close to have drugs in ones procession. The SL health authorities should start reviewing countries who have taken drastic actions on this pressing problem before it becomes a menace.

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Ramasamy Wednesday, 27 August 2025 02:28 PM

100milliom from mobile and 45 million from cigarettes in just few hours WoW. The Srilanka customs will soon become the leading money earner. Also why don't you mention the accused names.

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