Chinese Nationals Arrested with Illegally Imported Electronics

COLOMBO (News 1st); Nine Chinese nationals have been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake for illegally attempting to bring a large consignment of electronic communication equipment into Sri Lanka, Customs officials said.

Airport Customs stated that the suspects had brought the items into the country with the intention of committing computer‑related financial crimes. The total value of the seized equipment has been estimated at Rs. 24 million.

Among the items recovered were 383 used mobile phones, 101 tablet computers, and six Wi‑Fi routers. 

Customs officers said the suspects had concealed the devices on their bodies and inside their clothing, attaching them using cellotape to avoid detection.

The arrested individuals had arrived in Sri Lanka on a flight from Kunming, China, and further questioning is currently underway, Customs officials added.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident at the same airport, six Chinese nationals were arrested for attempting to smuggle a large stock of cigarettes valued at over Rs. 10 million into the country.

Customs said the total number of cigarettes seized from the suspects amounted to 75,900.