Foreigner arrested at BIA after dramatic escape attempt

January 10, 2022 at 1:44 PM

A foreign national has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake for attempting to escape from the custody of airport security.

The suspect was arrested following a special operation conducted jointly by the Air Force Commando Unit, and Airport Security and Police Units.

The foreigner, whose nationality is unknown, had attempted to travel to France via Abu Dhabi using an alleged forged passport early this morning.

The man had submitted a passport from Seychelles to airport officials after which the authorities had taken him in for questioning on suspicion.

Amidst being interrogated, the suspect had jumped out of his chair and had run out of the interrogation room, and had jumped over barricades to enter the departure lounge.

The security officials had been informed of the situation and had chased after the suspect.

He had been arrested while he had attempted to leave the airport after climbing onto the roof of a building in the departure lounge.

The authorities suspect that the man may be a wanted suspect or an individual that had escaped from an overseas prison or wanted for the involvement in terrorism-related activities. (NewsWire)