Customs nab web designer for smuggling at Colombo Airport

Published Tuesday, February 05, 2013

By Correspondent

An Indian national’s attempt to smuggle out foreign currency to the value of Rs3.4 million was thwarted by the Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, The Island reported.

The smuggler, a 50-year old web designer, had attempted to board a Sri Lankan Airline flight at 6.45 pm, a high ranking Customs officer of the Customs preventive unit told The Island adding, when he was searched on suspicion by the duty officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs J. KLS Perera, the currency was found.

He said the smuggler who had been to Sri Lanka on three earlier occasions had concealed the money, US$ 25,750 and Singapore $ 1,010 inside his travelling bag.

Though The Island repeatedly asked how he earned the money while staying in Sri Lanka for a short time, the reason to smuggle out the money was not disclosed by the Customs who confiscated it.

The Island reliably learns, however, that the smuggler had disclosed to the Customs that he was a gambler and won the money at a casino.

After paying a fine of Rs. 100,000, the smuggler was later released.

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