Contraband fags seized at BIA

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The Customs Narcotics Control Unit seized a haul of contraband cigarettes worth over Rs 500,000 at the Bandaranaike International Airport Sunday morning. According to customs officers, they found a bag at the airport without an owner. When they opened the bag they found 216 cartons of cigarettes with 10 boxes in each carton.

Customs officers said the cigarettes taken into custody are worth over Rs 500,000.

They are yet to ascertain from where the contraband came and those involved.

“Tags had been removed from the bags to avoid detection,” Deputy Customs Superintendent D D S C Michael said.

The stock was found by a team of sleuths including Customs Superintendent Jagath Obeysekara. Investigations are continuing.