A 21-year-old Sri Lankan businessman from Apalapitiya, Avissawella, was arrested yesterday morning (21) by officers of the Airport Police Narcotics Bureau for attempting to illegally import a large consignment of foreign cigarettes through Katunayake Airport.
According to police, the suspect had concealed 210 cartons containing 42,000 cigarettes in a suitcase and three boxes. The total value of the seized cigarettes is estimated at Rs. 6.3 million.
The confiscated consignment has been taken into the custody of airport authorities. The suspect was later released on bail and is due to appear before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court on 7th of January .
