Customs seize Rs.2.6 million worth foreign fags at BIA

Two Sri Lankan passengers who tried to smuggle in a stock of foreign cigarettes worth over Rs.2.6 million were nabbed by the Customs officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Arrival Lounge yesterday early morning. Customs Narcotic Control Division officials stationed at the “Nothing to Declare” Green Channel apprehended the two locals after they searched their baggages on suspicion.

The Customs officials found 242 cartons of foreign cigarettes containing 48, 400 sticks, which the sale is prohibited in Sri Lanka

Acting Customs Spokesman Deputy Director Vipula Minuwanpitiya told the Daily Mirror the two men who had returned from Sharjah on Air Arabia Flight GN 501 had arrived in the country at 4.30a.m. yesterday. The Customs officials found 242 cartons of foreign cigarettes containing 48, 400 sticks, which the sale is prohibited in Sri Lanka. The contraband had been valued at Rs.2, 662, 000.

Customs Superintendent S. Ravi Kumar and Assistant Superintendents D. M. R. Cyril with J. P. I. N. Chandrasiri conducted investigations on the instructions of Customs Director (BIA) M. A. Karunaratne. The Customs inquiry was carried out by Deputy Director Chinthaka Kularathne and a fine of Rs.50, 000 was imposed on each suspect. The contraband was ordered to be forfeited.