Sri Lanka Customs’ Narcotics Control Unit has arrested a Sri Lanka Air Force intelligence officer at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for allegedly attempting to smuggle gold valued at Rs. 20 million.
The 37-year-old officer, with 17 years of service in the SLAF, was intercepted at the staff exit gate of the arrival terminal yesterday (18).
A body scan revealed 40 biscuits of 24-carat gold, weighing 550 grams in total, hidden around his waist.
Customs confirmed that the seized gold, consisting of 10-gram and 20-gram biscuits, has an estimated market value of Rs. 20 million.
The suspect was taken into custody, and investigations are being conducted with the involvement of law enforcement and defense authorities.
Sri Lanka Customs stressed that no individual is above the law and reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing customs regulations with integrity.
The department added that it will continue working with both local and international partners to combat smuggling and protect Sri Lanka’s borders from illicit activities.
