The seized contraband, consisting of 87 mobile phones and 140 loose batteries, has an estimated market value of LKR 5,140,000. The suspects—a 34-year-old Chinese woman and two Chinese men, both aged 35—were intercepted while attempting to sneak the goods through the airport's 'Green Channel', which is strictly reserved for passengers with nothing to declare.
The smuggling attempt unraveled when customs officials searched a suspicious bag belonging to one of the male passengers, discovering several mobile phones concealed among chocolates and candies. A subsequent body search of the individual uncovered additional phones hidden inside a specially designed jacket worn beneath his clothing.
A further inspection of the other two passengers led to the recovery of the remaining items. The female suspect was found hiding phones inside her socks and footwear, while the second male passenger had packed the rest of the devices and 140 batteries into his luggage.
