LNP - Two arrested at BIA for smuggling cigarettes worth Rs. 50.9 million

Two suspects were arrested at the Bandaranaike  International Airport (BIA) this morning by Police Narcotics Bureau personnel while smuggling in foreign cigarettes worth Rs. 50.9 million. The suspects, aged 24 and 23, are residents of the Gonapola and Bandaragama areas and had been working for a company in Dubai. The two suspects arrived at the BIA from Muscat, Oman, at 5:15 a.m today, aboard Oman Air flight OV-437. Meanwhile, after completing all the Customs formalities and while attempting to leave the airport, officers from the Police Narcotics Bureau intercepted them and discovered 198 cartons of cigarettes, totalling 39,600 sticks, concealed in their luggage. The suspects were taken into custody and they, along with the seized cigarettes, are to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate's Court.