Foreign cigarettes valued Rs.4.5Mn seized at BIA, suspect arrested

By T.K.G. Kapila

A consignment of foreign cigarettes valued Rs. 4.5 million was seized and an air passenger who attempted to smuggle it into the country was arrested by the Police Anti-Narcotics Bureau officials at Katunayake International Airport on Sunday night.

Police said the 24-year-old suspect was a resident of Maligawatta area frequently travelling abroad on business. Officials said the stock of contraband contained 30,000 Manchester brand cigarettes in 150 cartons.

The suspect released on police bail is to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate on Wednesday.