Four Chinese nationals have been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for allegedly attempting to smuggle foreign-manufactured cigarettes valued at approximately Rs. 10.8 million into Sri Lanka.
According to Sri Lanka Customs, the suspects were taken into custody earlier today after Customs officers intercepted them at the airport’s arrivals terminal while they were attempting to leave through the Green Channel.
The four men, described as Chinese businessmen believed to be in their 30s, had arrived from Bangkok on Thai Airways flight TG307 at around 12.30 a.m.
During the inspection, Customs officers discovered 360 cartons containing 72,000 China-manufactured cigarettes concealed inside six pieces of luggage carried by the suspects.
The suspects are currently being held in the custody of Sri Lanka Customs while further investigations continue.