Sri Lanka Customs officers at Katunayake Airport (BIA) have intercepted 14 Chinese nationals attempting to smuggle foreign cigarettes valued at Rs. 20,730,000 into the country.
The suspects, all identified as business employees, arrived at 1:30 am today (28) and were stopped at the Green Channel arrival terminal during a targeted inspection.
A thorough examination of their baggage revealed 691 cartons of foreign cigarettes (138,200 sticks) concealed inside 14 pieces of luggage.
Customs officials confirmed that the contraband has been forfeited under existing regulations, and further investigations are underway. (Newswire)