Customs bust gems smuggling attempt at BIA

Two Sri Lankans men had been arrested on last night at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) when attempting to smuggle 218 pieces of gems worth out of the country, Customs Spokesman Leslie Gamini said.

The gems had a street value of Rs. 5,469,775, Gamini said.

Two Sri Lankans were arrested on Monday night at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) when attempting to smuggle 218 pieces of gems worth Rs. 5,469,775 out of the country, Customs Media Spokesman Leslie Gamini said.

He said the men aged 22 and 24 were residents of Bambalapitiya, Colombo.

Mr. Gamini said the suspects were arrested at the BIA departure lounge while they were attempting to flee to Shanghai, China.

The gem pieces with 547.8 carats were concealed inside five shampoo bottles, Leslie said.

After the Customs inquiry held by Deputy Director of Custom Wimal Liyanagama, the gems were forfeited and the suspect was imposed a penalty of Rs. 100,000 each. (Chaturanga Pradeep)