STF nabs man with Rs.4.5Mn worth illicit fags

• The STF Organised Crime Detection Unit II on information raided a spot in Mahabage on Negombo Road on Saturday night and made the detection, seized about 65,000 sticks of cigarettes

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana

Police Special Task Force (STF) arrested a man who was possessing a large stock of illicit cigarettes worth over Rs.4.5 million, which had been smuggled into the country recently.  

The STF Organised Crime Detection Unit II on information raided a spot in Mahabage on Negombo Road on Saturday night and made the detection, which enabled the sleuths to seize about 65,000 sticks of cigarettes.   
The STF sources said the contraband contained  several brands of cigarettes, which comprised of  37,000 sticks of Manchester Red, 9,600 sticks of Manchester Lights, 4, 600 sticks of Manchester Blue Mist Fusion, 4,000 sticks of Double Apple, 3, 200 sticks of Red Berry Fusion, 5, 800 sticks of Ice Crush and 4,800 sticks of Amber Crush Fusion brand.   

The 37-year-old suspect was to be handed over to the Mahabage Police for further inquiries. The contraband was valued at Rs.4,505, 000.     

• STF sources said the contraband contained  several brands of cigarettes