Nearly 30 grams of 24‑carat gold valued at approximately Rs. 2.8 million was found in the possession of two women detained alongside a group suspected of attempting to smuggle gold from Sri Lanka to India on Wednesday.
A customs inquiry into the pair is currently underway.
Customs officials said samples of around 520 grams of a substance suspected to be liquid gold, seized from two other suspects, have been sent for laboratory testing.
Four more suspects remain under observation at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital until they expel suspected gold substances from their bodies.
Meanwhile, 18 passengers were released yesterday after examinations confirmed no hidden items were discovered.
The incident stems from the detention of 26 passengers, including 17 Indians, three Sri Lankan men and six Sri Lankan women, at Kankesanthurai Port on Wednesday (17).
Acting on intelligence, Sri Lanka Customs intercepted the group as they prepared to board ferry SG423 bound for Nagapattinam, India.
Two passengers were initially found with gold, prompting authorities to refer all 26 to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital for further examination.
Customs officials said investigations into the suspects are continuing. (Newswire)