According to authorities, the suspect arrived early this morning (April 25) from Dubai on an Emirates flight. He was reportedly accompanied by several other individuals. However, when customs officers moved in to make the arrest, the accompanying passengers abandoned their luggage and fled the scene.
Upon inspection of 16 pieces of luggage brought by the group, customs officials discovered a significant quantity of contraband. The haul included 1,149 cartons of Manchester brand cigarettes, amounting to a total of 229,800 cigarettes, as well as 113 electronic cigarettes. The estimated value of the seized items is approximately LKR 38.67 million.
Customs officials at the airport have launched further investigations into the incident, including efforts to identify and apprehend the other individuals involved.
