The suspect, a 31-year-old labourer from Dematagoda, Colombo, had arrived in Sri Lanka from Sharjah on Air Arabia flight G9-587 at around 2.50 a.m.
Customs officials said he was found carrying 160 cartons of foreign cigarettes, amounting to approximately 32,000 sticks, hidden in three pieces of luggage. The seized consignment, consisting of “Manchester” and “Platinum” brands, is estimated to be worth around Rs. 4.8 million.
Officials at the airport said the suspect attempted to evade customs declaration procedures by using the Green Channel upon arrival.
The passenger has been taken into custody by Customs officers, and further investigations are currently underway.
