In a significant operation conducted at the Ampara bus stand, the Police Special Task Force (STF) intercepted a large stock of counterfeit cigarettes, suspected to have been smuggled into the country via sea routes.
Acting on a tip-off, STF personnel meticulously searched vendors and kiosks at the bus stand, ultimately uncovering 115 cartons of the contraband foreign brand. The sale and consumption of this particular brand are prohibited in Sri Lanka.
The seized cigarettes, totaling 1,150 packets containing 23,000 sticks, are estimated to be valued at Rs.50 each, with a street price ranging from Rs.60 to Rs.80 per stick. Two individuals hailing from the Pimburattewa and Moneragala areas were apprehended in connection with the illicit stock. Following the operation, the suspects, along with the confiscated items, were handed over to the Ampara Police for further investigation
