First smuggling attempt at Mattala

Rasika Somarathna

A Sri Lankan businessman returning from Thailand was arrested at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport by Customs sleuths for allegedly attempting to smuggle gems and jewellery yesterday.

This marks the first such detection at the Mattala Airport which opened for air traffic on March 18. Customs Spokesman Lesley Gamini said the value of the gems and jewellery has not yet been estimated.

He said the amount could be substantial. Gamini said Customs was conducting investigations and the businessman was under arrest