Eighteen passengers, including Chinese and Sri Lankan nationals, have been arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for attempting to smuggle a large stock of foreign-manufactured cigarettes into the country.
According to airport authorities, the suspects were apprehended early this morning (30) after arriving on multiple flights from Dubai and Kuala Lumpur.
The group consisted of 16 Chinese nationals and two Sri Lankan citizens, all of whom are reported to be businessmen.
Customs officers, together with officials attached to the Customs Narcotics Control Unit, intercepted the passengers while they were attempting to exit through the Green Channel.
During inspections, authorities discovered 1,046 cartons containing 209,200 sticks of Chinese-manufactured cigarettes concealed inside 27 pieces of luggage carried by the suspects.
Officials estimate the value of the seized cigarette stock at approximately Rs. 31.38 million.
The suspects were taken into custody and handed over for further legal proceedings, while investigations are continuing to determine whether the smuggling attempt is linked to a larger organized network.
Airport Police and Customs officials are conducting further inquiries into the incident.
