Three Lankans nabbed with Walla Patta worth Rs.10 million

Three local businessmen, who attempted to smuggle out of the country 60 kilograms of Walla Patta worth Rs.10 million, were arrested by Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Customs Spokesman Sunil Jayaratne said the arrests were made on Tuesday by the Customs Social Protective Unit at the Departure Lounge. He said the contraband was concealed in their baggage.

Investigations revealed that the suspects who were residents of Colombo did not have a permit to possess or to transport Walla Patta.

“The suspects were released after the goods were confiscated and a penalty of Rs.200,000 imposed on each of them,” Mr. Jayaratne said.

The detection was made by Customs Superintendents D.M.R Cyril, Sasanka Darmasena, Tharanga Gunaratne, Mark Anthony and Mahesh Hettigamage.

Investigations were supervised by Deputy Customs Director P.J.B Basnayake under the direction of Customs Director Ruwan Sathkumara.

The suspects were released after the goods were confiscated and a penalty of Rs.200,000 imposed on each of them