The Walana Anti-Vice Squad has seized more than 300 illegally imported smartphones, worth an estimated Rs. 50 million, from a shop at the Liberty Plaza shopping complex in Colpetty, Ada Derana reported.
The haul included a number of the latest iPhone models, according to police. Officers said the devices had been brought into the country illegally, bypassing the proper import and customs channels.
The raid was carried out as part of an ongoing investigation into the smuggling of contraband goods. Police said inquiries are continuing to determine how the phones were imported and distributed, and to trace others involved in the operation.
Smartphones and other high-value electronics are frequently targeted by smuggling networks seeking to avoid the import duties and taxes that raise the retail price of such devices in Sri Lanka. Authorities have periodically raided shops and storage sites in Colombo’s commercial districts over the illegal trade.
Further investigations are ongoing.
