A Malaysian national has been arrested by officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) over an alleged attempt to smuggle foreign-manufactured cigarettes valued at Rs. 4.95 million, Ada Derana reported.
Officers discovered the contraband during checks at the airport. The seizure represents a notable haul in the continuing effort to curb cigarette smuggling through the country’s main international gateway.
Smuggled cigarettes deprive the state of substantial excise revenue and undercut regulated tobacco sales. Enforcement agencies at BIA routinely intercept attempts to bring in undeclared foreign cigarettes and other dutiable goods concealed in luggage.
The suspect was taken into custody and faces charges related to smuggling. Investigations were continuing as authorities sought to establish whether the individual was acting alone or as part of a wider smuggling operation.
