Chinese businessman held at BIA with smuggled cigarettes worth over Rs. 4.2 million

Sri Lanka Customs has arrested a 42-year-old Chinese businessman at Bandaranaike International Airport after officers found foreign-manufactured cigarettes he allegedly tried to bring into the country through the Green Channel. The suspect arrived on a Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur on the morning of November 15, 2026.

Customs officers said they found 140 cartons holding 28,000 cigarettes, made in China, concealed in two pieces of luggage. Airport Customs values the seized goods at over Rs. 4.2 million.

The suspect remains in Customs custody while further investigations continue.