Three Indian nationals arrested at BIA with Rs. 12.16 million worth of ’Kush’

By T.K.G Kapila

Colombo, August 7 (Daily Mirror) - Three Indian nationals were arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning while attempting to smuggle in a stock of "Kush" cannabis valued at Rs. 12.16 million.

The suspects-a 42-year-old man and two women aged 43 and 22 were taken into custody by officers of the Airport Police Narcotics Bureau shortly after arriving from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH-179, which landed at 12:03 a.m. today (7).

According to police, the trio, identified as Indian businessmen, had concealed a total of 12 kilograms and 160 grams of the narcotic in their luggage. The drugs had been packed in sealed packets and wrapped in carbon paper in an apparent attempt to evade detection by airport scanning equipment.

They are scheduled to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today on charges of drug importation, possession, and trafficking. Authorities said the suspects would be remanded as investigations continue.