Two male Indian nationals have been apprehended by Airport Customs at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) whilst attempting to smuggle gold out of the country.
Customs officers had apprehended the two suspects at the Departure, whilst they were attempting to travel to Madurai aboard the aircraft bearing the number UL139 at 1:30 pm yesterday (19)/
Media Spokesperson of Sri Lanka Customs, Sunil Jayarathne reported that the gold slabs had been concealed in the outer metal frame of the baggage used to attach the wheels.
The gold slabs weighing 199.6 g and 295.95 g, were valued at Rs. 1,099,780 and Rs. 1.627,725 respectively, he added,
He also reported that the suspects, aged 39 and 46 years, had been released following an inquiry by the Deputy Director of Customs, who also imposed penalties of Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 30,000 on the two suspects.
The smuggled gold items were taken into Customs custody following the apprehension.
