Sri Lanka Customs has urged the public not to carry parcels or baggage belonging to others when travelling, warning that unsuspecting passengers could be used to transport illegal items, including narcotics.
Customs Spokesman Chandana Punchihewa said individuals can become involved in serious criminal offences without being aware of what they are carrying.
“We would like to request the public not to carry parcels or baggage belonging to someone else during air travel or any other journey,” he said.
Punchihewa cited a previous case in which a 19-year-old was allegedly used in a drug smuggling operation, with the consignment brought in under the youth’s name despite another individual being aware of its contents.
He said Customs officers have encountered situations where even close family members have unknowingly been used by traffickers.
“Even people with very close relationships can be exploited in these operations. Therefore, our request is that you never agree to carry items that do not belong to you,” he said.
The Customs spokesman also warned that illegal substances can be concealed in ways that are difficult to detect, even by individuals who inspect baggage themselves.
He further cautioned travellers about accepting free travel arrangements from others without understanding the reason behind such offers.
“When someone says, ‘I’ll buy you a ticket and send you abroad for free,’ think carefully about why that person is doing so,” he said.
Punchihewa stressed that drug trafficking offences can carry severe penalties in many countries, including the death penalty in some jurisdictions. (Newswire)