Customs bust Forex smuggling attempt at BIA

A Sri Lankan male was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) departure lounge this morning while attempting to smuggle out foreign currency worth Rs. 40,785,81 concealed in his rectum.

Customs Spokesman Leslie Gamini said Customs officials had confiscated the foreign currency consisting 150 Bahrain Dinars, 6500 Euros, 31500 Saudi Riyals, 400 Kuwait Dinars, 2000 Qatar Riyals, 8000 Swiss Franks, 180 Oman Riyals and 11400 UAE Dirhams.

The suspect, a 48-year-old resident of Dehiwala was arrested while he was bound to take a flight to Dubai, he said.

After the Customs inquiry held by Deputy Director of Custom Stanley Senaratna, the foreign currencies were forfeited and the suspect was imposed a penalty of Rs. 100,000.(Darshana Sanjeewa)

Pic by Deepa Adhikari