Drunk passenger arrested for assaulting Immigration Officers at BIA

By T.K.G. Kapila

Colombo, June 4 (Daily Mirror) - An intoxicated air passenger was arrested by the airport police last night after violently assaulting two Immigration and Emigration Department officers on duty at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

The suspect, a 34-year-old sailor from Peradeniya, Kandy, had arrived in the country from Singapore on board SriLankan Airlines flight UL-309, which landed at the BIA at 9.35 p.m.

Airport officials said that upon his arrival, the suspect, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol, behaved in a violent and disorderly manner during the immigration clearance process. He assaulted two officers performing their duties, causing a disruption at the clearance counters.

Following the incident, Immigration officers immediately lodged a complaint with the Airport Police. The suspect was promptly taken into custody and produced before the Negombo Judicial Medical Officer, who confirmed that the individual was intoxicated at the time of the incident.

Police have taken measures to produce the suspect before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today.

Airport authorities condemned the incident, emphasising the importance of maintaining discipline and order within international airport premises. An investigation into the matter is currently underway.