Currency Smugglers arrested at BIA; Rs. 40 Mn worth foreign currency seized

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Customs arrested five people on Thursday (20) for operating a foreign currency smuggling ring from Sri Lanka.

The arrest for three women and two men were made following a lengthy investigation carried out by the Narcotics Control Unit of Sri Lanka Customs.

"The group was involved in smuggling bulk cash in foreign currency to other countries," said Sri Lanka Customs adding they were arrested when they attempted to fly to Dubai aboard Emirates Flight EK 649 on Wednesday (19) night.

Customs personnel detected a bulk of foreign currency concealed in their luggage.

USD 22,300, 63,500 Euros, 8,725 Sterling Pounds, 292,00 Saudi Riyals, and 75,000 Dirhams were discovered upon inspection.

The total value of the seized cash is north of Rs. 40 Million said Sri Lanka Customs.