A businessman has been arrested by police in Thanamalwila on suspicion of selling imported cigarettes to schoolchildren in the area.
According to the Police, the businessman had provided flavoured cigarettes to a student for resale.
One cigarette had been sold to the student for Rs. 100, and the student had then resold it at school for Rs. 200.
Following a tip-off from another student to the principal, the student selling the cigarettes was questioned, and two imported cigarettes were found in his possession.
Subsequently, based on a report to the Thanamalwila Police Inspector, the business premises were raided.
Police seized 690 cigarettes and Rs. 3,600,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds from cigarette sales.
The suspect is scheduled to be presented before the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)