Airline employee arrested for attempting to smuggle Rs. 46m worth of gold

January 4, 2026 at 1:28 PM

An employee of a private airline has been arrested by customs officials for attempting to smuggle a consignment of gold jewellery and gold biscuits worth over Rs. 46 million into the country.

According to reports, the individual had concealed the gold items in a travel bag and tried to leave through the exit designated for airline staff.

Customs officials at the airport said they recovered gold jewellery and gold biscuits weighing 1 kilogram and 163 grams from the luggage.

The suspect is a 27-year-old resident of Colombo. Further investigations into the case are underway at Katunayake Airport by customs authorities. (NewsWire)