COLOMBO (Economy India): Two Indian nationals were arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka after authorities seized more than 50,000 Chinese-made cigarettes allegedly being smuggled into the country. The confiscated cigarettes are valued at approximately Sri Lankan Rupees 7.98 million.
According to Sri Lankan police, the arrests were made on Saturday during routine inspections at the airport’s arrival terminal. Officials became suspicious during baggage screening and discovered the large quantity of contraband cigarettes concealed in the passengers’ luggage.
The two suspects, both 26 years old, had reportedly purchased the cigarettes in Cambodia before travelling through Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and finally arriving in Sri Lanka. The operation was carried out by the Police Narcotics Bureau, which is investigating the smuggling route and whether the suspects were part of a larger international trafficking network.
Authorities said the seized cigarettes were intended to be illegally distributed in Sri Lanka, bypassing customs duties and tobacco regulations. Such smuggling activities cause significant revenue losses to the government and are considered a serious customs offence.
The suspects have been taken into custody for further questioning, while officials continue their investigation to identify any additional individuals or organizations linked to the case.
(Economy India)
