Sri Lanka Customs officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) intercepted an attempt to smuggle a significant quantity of foreign cigarettes worth over Rs.4.5 million.
The incident occurred yesterday morning when a middle-aged couple returning from Dubai were flagged for suspicion by Customs officials stationed at the BIA Arrival Terminal.
Upon inspection of their baggage, officials discovered illegal cigarettes concealed inside. The suspects had arrived in the country on Gulf Airline flight GF 144, with the male suspect hailing from Kalmunai and the female suspect from Ganemulla.
The confiscated haul included 270 cartons containing 45,400 sticks of cigarettes from brands such as Manchester, Mond, and Gold Leaf, with an estimated value of Rs.4,540,000.
