Customs officers at Katunayake Airport have arrested three Chinese businessmen for attempting to smuggle a large stock of foreign‑made cigarettes into Sri Lanka early this morning (25).
The suspects, aged 31, 36, and 40, were apprehended while trying to pass through the Green Channel without declaring the goods.
Investigations revealed that the cigarettes had been purchased in China, transported via Kuala Lumpur, and brought into Sri Lanka concealed in six pieces of luggage.
Officials discovered 202 cartons containing 40,000 cigarettes, with the total consignment valued at approximately Rs. 6.6 million.
The suspects are currently in Customs custody at Katunayake Airport, while further investigations into the incident are ongoing. (Newswire)