Couple arrested at BIA with smuggled cigarettes worth Rs. 15 million

 

Two Sri Lankan passengers who attempted to illegally bring in a large consignment of foreign-made cigarettes valued at around Rs. 15 million were arrested by officers of the Airport Police Narcotics Bureau in the early hours of January 12 at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake.

The suspects, a married couple from Negombo, were taken into custody shortly after they arrived from Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways flight EY-394 at around 2.30 a.m. The 39-year-old husband is reportedly engaged in the tourism business, while his wife is 29 years old.

Police said the couple was found in possession of six suitcases containing about 100,000 foreign-made “Platinum” cigarettes, packed in 500 cartons.

The suspects were later released on police bail and are due to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court on January 14. Investigations are continuing.