Customs seize cigarettes worth over Rs. 28 Mn from unclaimed BIA luggage

March 27, 2026 at 11:49 PM

Airport Customs officers have seized 928 cartons of cigarettes valued at over Rs. 28 million from 13 unclaimed suitcases that had been left behind at the Bandaranayake International Airport (BIA)

The luggage had remained in the custody of Customs for nearly a month after passengers abandoned them, reportedly unable to take them out due to stringent inspections carried out by officers.

The suitcases were opened on Friday (27), during which officers discovered the large stock of cigarettes concealed inside. (NewsWire)