Over Rs. 90 Million in Contraband Cigarettes Seized at BIA in Recent Weeks

Sri Lankan authorities have intensified operations against cigarette smuggling at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), leading to the seizure of contraband foreign cigarettes valued at over Rs. 90 million in a series of incidents since mid-May. A total of 42 individuals have been arrested in connection with these smuggling attempts. The arrests include 39 Chinese nationals, one Indian national, and two Sri Lankan nationals, all intercepted at the arrival terminal while attempting to bypass customs declarations. Sri Lanka Customs officers were responsible for the majority of the seizures, including large consignments from Chinese nationals arriving from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, with one incident on June 18 alone involving Rs. 31.89 million worth of cigarettes. Additionally, the Police Narcotics Bureau apprehended a Sri Lankan national on June 13 with 26,600 sticks valued at nearly Rs. 4 million, highlighting the multi-agency effort to curb illegal imports.