Customs officers at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake have arrested three Chinese businessmen for attempting to smuggle a large consignment of foreign-made cigarettes into Sri Lanka early yesterday morning.
The suspects, aged 31, 36, and 40, were intercepted while attempting to pass through the Green Channel without declaring the goods.
Investigations revealed that the cigarettes were purchased in China, transported via Kuala Lumpur, and concealed inside six pieces of luggage before being brought into the country.
Customs officials uncovered 202 cartons containing around 40,000 cigarettes, with the total consignment estimated to be worth approximately Rs. 6.6 million.
The suspects are currently in Customs custody at the airport, while further investigations into the smuggling attempt are continuing.
