Suspect arrested with illegal cigarettes worth Rs 600,000 at BIA

Priyanka KURUGALA

Airport customs yesterday seized an illegal stock of cigarettes worth over Rs 600,000 and arrested the suspect who attempted to smuggle the stock into the country. Airport Customs Superintendent G G Premasiri said the suspect arrived in the country around 4.30am yesterday in a flight from Sharjah.

There were 277 parcels of cigarettes packed in three bags.

The suspect had tried to use the green channel, in the departure lounge to escape detection, Premasiri added.

Inquiries revealed the suspect aged 34 is a resident of Wellampitiya. The suspect told the authorities he had been given the contraband by another person at Sharjah Airport. Airport Customs Superintendents G G Premasiri and P K Sarath made the arrest. Investigations are continuing on the direction of Airport Customs Director K Premanath.