STF seize Rs.1.1Mn worth counterfeit fags

A large stock of counterfeit cigarettes worth over Rs.1.1 million, which is suspected to have been smuggled into the country through sea routes, was seized by the Police Special Task Force (STF) from Ampara bus stand yesterday.  
The STF on a tip off searched the vendors and kiosks at Ampara bus stand and found 115 cartons of the foreign brand of cigarettes ‘Business Royal’, of which the sale and consumption is prohibited in Sri Lanka.   
According to police, the 115 cartons of cigarettes contained 1, 150 packets that were packed with 23,000 sticks, of which a stick is valued at Rs.50 and is sold between Rs.60 to Rs.80.   
Two men who had the stock of illicit cigarettes in their possession were taken into custody. They were from Pimburattewa and Monaragala areas.   
The sleuths from the Ampara STF Camp had handed over the suspects along with the illicit items to the Ampara Police for further inquiries. 
(K.K.K.)