Two Chinese nationals were apprehended by Airport Customs officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while allegedly attempting to smuggle a large stock of mobile phones and batteries into the country.
According to Customs, a 35-year-old Chinese national who arrived from Shanghai, China on China Eastern flight UL 6017 attempted to exit through the “Green Channel”, designated for passengers with no goods to declare.
Customs officers became suspicious after noticing a tulip-branded bag among duty-free shopping bags containing toffee chocolates. When questioned, the passenger claimed the bag had also been obtained from a duty-free shop.
Upon inspection, officers discovered mobile phones concealed beneath layers of toffee chocolates inside the bag. A further search revealed additional mobile phones hidden around the jacket worn by the passenger.
Authorities then inspected another accompanying passenger, a 34-year-old Chinese woman, and discovered more mobile phones and batteries concealed inside her socks.
In total, Customs officials recovered 87 mobile phones and 140 batteries with an estimated value of Rs. 5.14 million.
Authorities suspect the devices had been brought into the country for use in cyber financial crimes. Further investigations are underway. (Newswire)