Colombo: Two Indian nationals were arrested at Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle Chinese-made cigarettes worth around SLR 834,000 into the country, local media reported.
Cigarettes concealed in suitcases
According to Daily Mirror, the suspects were identified as a 33-year-old man working in the construction sector and a 38-year-old woman employed as a schoolteacher. Their names were not disclosed.
The duo had allegedly purchased 278 cartons containing 55,600 cigarettes of various brands in China before travelling to Singapore and subsequently arriving in Sri Lanka.
They reached Bandaranaike International Airport at around 12.25 am on Singapore Airlines flight SQ-468, the report said.
Airport police make arrests
The cigarettes were allegedly concealed inside three suitcases carried by the two suspects. They were intercepted and arrested by officers attached to the Airport Police Narcotics Bureau.
The seizure reportedly involved Chinese-made cigarettes with an estimated value of SLR 834,000.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged attempt to bring the cigarettes into Sri Lanka.
Suspects to appear before court
The two accused are expected to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court, according to the report.
The case highlights the continued scrutiny of passengers and baggage at Sri Lanka’s main international airport, particularly in cases involving the alleged illicit movement of restricted or undeclared goods.