Customs officers at the Katunayake Airport arrested three Chinese nationals on Tuesday (19) while attempting to smuggle in a large stock of mobile phones and batteries suspected to be intended for cybercrime activities.
Officials said mobile phones valued at Rs. 5,140,000 and 140 batteries were seized during the operation.
The suspects, a 34‑year‑old woman and two men aged 35, were apprehended while trying to move the items illegally through the Green Channel.
Customs inspections revealed several phones hidden inside a suspicious bag among toffees and chocolates, while further searches uncovered more devices concealed in a specially prepared jacket worn under clothing.
Additional phones were found hidden in the soles of the woman’s shoes and inside the travel bag of the other male passenger.
In total, 87 mobile phones and 140 batteries were recovered. The suspects have been handed over to the Police for further investigation. (Newswire)