Four nabbed at BIA for smuggling whiskey, cardamom worth Rs. 15 million

By T.K.G. Kapila

Four Sri Lankan passengers were arrested by Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning while attempting to smuggle in a large consignment of whiskey and cardamom valued at approximately Rs. 15 million.

The suspects, residents of Colombo and Hatton had arrived in the country on IndiGo flight 6E-1183 from Bangalore, India, which landed at 1:00 a.m.

Customs officials uncovered the contraband during baggage checks, finding 378 bottles of whiskey and 132 kilograms of cardamom concealed in 20 pieces of luggage. The items were reportedly purchased from a duty-free shopping complex at a foreign airport.

The four individuals have been detained, and further investigations are being carried out by the Airport Customs Division.