Customs officials at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) arrested a 35-year-old Chinese national on April 20 after he allegedly attempted to smuggle a large consignment of cigarettes through the Green Channel.
The suspect had arrived from China via Bangkok and is reported to have concealed 229,800 foreign cigarettes inside 13 pieces of luggage with the assistance of three airport porters.
The shipment, valued at around Rs. 35 million, was detected and intercepted by Sri Lanka Customs officials during inspection.
Authorities said the suspect attempted to flee through the Green Channel after handing over the luggage but was chased and arrested in the airport vehicle yard.
The seized cigarette stock has been confiscated, and further investigations are currently underway.
