13 foreign nationals arrested at BIA over Rs. 28.4 million cigarette smuggling attempt

By T.K.G. Kapila

Colombo, June 2 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka Customs officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, have arrested 13 foreign nationals for allegedly attempting to smuggle a large consignment of foreign-manufactured cigarettes into the country today.

Officials said all suspects are Chinese nationals, aged between 28 and 45 years.

The group was apprehended while attempting to exit through the Green Channel at the arrival terminal, which is reserved for passengers with no goods to declare.

According to Customs, the suspects arrived at BIA around 1.10 a.m. today on AirAsia and Batik Air flights from Bangkok, Thailand.

A subsequent inspection of their baggage led officers to the discovery of 948 cartons containing 189,600 cigarette sticks manufactured in China.

The contraband was found concealed inside 22 pieces of luggage belonging to the suspects.

Customs officials estimate the value of the seized consignment at approximately Rs. 28.44 million.

The suspects, along with the seized cigarettes, have been taken into Customs custody. Further investigations are currently underway by Airport Customs officials.