SL expat worker trying to smuggle e-cigarettes worth Rs.1.4Mn stopped at BIA

A Sri Lankan expatriate worker attempting to smuggle e-cigarettes worth over Rs.1.4 million on his way back from Malaysia was arrested by the Police at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) yesterday morning.   

The Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) officials stationed at the BIA Arrival Terminal on suspicion searched a local passenger returning from Kuala Lumpur on Malaysian Airlines flight MH 179 and found the contraband.   

Amongst the seized items were 275 packs of electronic cigarettes, which the sale and use is banned in Sri Lanka. The illicit goods had been concealed in the baggage of the passenger.   

The 37-year-old passenger had been identified as a resident of Dalupotha area in Negombo. He had reportedly returned to the country after working six months in Malaysia.   

The contraband along with the passenger had been handed over to the Sri Lanka Customs officials at the BIA for further inquiries. 
(K. K. K.)